Sarfaraz Khan questions why he should work harder after India omission
The Mumbai batter expressed frustration over being sidelined from the Test team despite scoring runs in domestic cricket and overseas matches.
Mumbai middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan has expressed frustration regarding his exclusion from the Indian Test team. Speaking after scoring a fifty against Railways in a Ranji Trophy match at the Brabourne Stadium, the 29-year-old said he asks himself every morning why he should continue to work harder.
According to The Indian Express, the batter has worked to improve his fitness, reducing his weight from 97 kilograms to 77 kilograms. He stated that his father's hard work is the only factor motivating him to continue practicing at 5am.
Sarfaraz addressed perceptions that he cannot bat in overseas conditions. He noted that while he heard he might be considered for Indian conditions, he previously scored centuries against the Indian team in 60 balls during tours to South Africa and England.
The batter said that while it is the selectors' perspective, he has scored runs outside of India. He added that performing on difficult, rank-turning wickets in India can be a struggle after the effort required in domestic cricket.
Sarfaraz was recently part of the squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka as a replacement for the injured Sai Sudharsan, but he did not receive an opportunity to play. He was also not selected for the India A squad for the New Zealand tour.
The batter concluded that he will continue to play cricket regardless of whether the selectors call him, stating, "If they don't call me, I will play here."