Better late than never: Sarfaraz Khan’s India comeback brings joy for fans
For Sarfaraz Khan, the wait is finally over. Nearly two years after his last appearance for India, the Mumbai batter has been recalled to the Test squad, replacing the injured Sai Sudharsan for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka.
The news sparked an immediate wave of excitement among Indian cricket fans, with many celebrating the 28-year-old’s return and hoping he gets the backing he has long been seeking.
“Better late than never. Sarfaraz Khan is back in India’s Test squad,” one fan wrote on social media.
Another hailed the selection as “fantastic”, while a third fan called for Sarfaraz to receive a “proper backing & long rope” after his return.
Sarfaraz’s recall comes after Sudharsan was ruled out of the Sri Lanka Tests with a right-toe stress reaction. Sudharsan had been in impressive form for India A, scoring two centuries in as many unofficial Tests against Sri Lanka A, but his injury meant India needed another batter in the squad.
SARFARAZ GETS ANOTHER CHANCE TO FINISH WHAT HE STARTED
The Mumbai batter has been one of India’s most prolific first-class run-scorers in recent years. Across 62 first-class matches, he has accumulated 5,114 runs at an outstanding average of 64.73, including 17 centuries and 16 fifties.
Yet his international opportunities have been surprisingly limited. Sarfaraz has played only six Tests for India, scoring 371 runs at an average of 37.10, with one century and three fifties. His highest score remains the unbeaten 150 he made against New Zealand in Bengaluru in October 2024.
That innings came during a difficult home series for India, with New Zealand eventually completing a historic 3-0 sweep. Sarfaraz’s century, however, stood out as one of the brightest individual performances for the hosts.
His last Test appearance came against New Zealand in November 2024, after which he was not part of India’s plans for the subsequent Test assignments.
Now, the door has opened again.
He will join the Indian squad in Colombo before the team travels to Galle for the first Test, beginning August 15.
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