Indian cricketer Sarfaraz Khan had an injury scare during the practice session of the Indian team on Thursday (November 14) at Perth. 

Sarfaraz Khan is one of the new-generation Indian cricketers who have travelled to Australia for the five-match Test series (Border-Gavaskar Trophy). This Test series is very important for both teams, as their qualification for the next ICC World Test Championship final is at stake. 

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will begin on November 22 with the Test match at Perth. The 27-year-old Sarfaraz played all three Tests during the recently concluded three-match home Test series against New Zealand. He is fighting to grab a spot in the Indian playing XI for the series opener. 

SEE ALSO: Mohammed Shami's impressive comeback brings hopeful update in Indian cricket

Sarfaraz Khan walked off after an elbow injury

During the training session on Thursday, Sarfaraz was injured. While he was batting in the nets, a ball was hit to his right elbow. Soon, he walked off the ground. There is no clarification on the matter of the latest injury of Sarfaraz. 

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is unlikely to be available for the five-match Test series opener at Perth. So, at least one spot has been opened up in the team. KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan are fighting to earn their spots for the Perth Test along with the uncapped Abhimanyu Easwaran and the wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel. 

Sarfaraz Khan scored 150 runs in the Bengaluru Test

After scoring 222 not out and 17 in the Irani Cup, Sarfaraz scored a duck and 150 runs in the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand. However, in the next two Tests, the right-handed batter scored 11, 9, 0, and 1 runs, respectively. 

Sarfaraz has scored 371 runs in six Test innings with an average of 37.10. He has hit one century and three half-centuries in his early Test career. 

In his first-class career, Sarfaraz has scored 4593 runs with an impressive average of 65.61. He has scored 16 centuries and 14 half-centuries in his first-class career. 

India’s batting lineup faltered against a resilient New Zealand spin attack on Day 3 of the third Test, with Sarfaraz Khan’s form coming under scrutiny after another underwhelming performance. India, now at 81/6, faces an uphill task to reach their target as Rishabh Pant leads a one-man rescue effort at the Wankhede Stadium.

Sarfaraz Khan’s struggles in spotlight as India’s top order collapses

Sarfaraz Khan’s disappointing scores have added fuel to fan concerns over his place in India’s Test lineup. Selected over seasoned batters like Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, Sarfaraz was expected to bring stability, especially on pitches favoring spinners. However, his recent scores of 11, 9, 0, and 1 across the last two Tests have sparked debate over his inclusion, particularly as he struggled against New Zealand’s spin attack in both innings.

Fans have voiced disappointment, pointing to Sarfaraz’s inability to handle turning tracks—a skillset they feel Iyer, known for his resilience on challenging pitches, could have provided. Critics argue that his inclusion, alongside captain Rohit Sharma, who’s been questioned for his own struggles, reflects an imbalance in selection that leaves India vulnerable on spin-friendly wickets. With India now six down and still trailing in their run chase, Pant’s fight alone may not be enough to overturn this shaky position.

See Also: Ishan Kishan lands in controversy as India A accused of ball-tampering against Australia A

Pant’s grit and New Zealand’s spin dominance

Amid India’s collapse, Rishabh Pant has shown determination, fighting hard to stabilize the innings. Pant’s aggression against the New Zealand spinners kept the scoreboard ticking, with crucial boundaries keeping India’s hopes alive. His spirited 55 off 56 deliveries brought some relief to the team, but with little support from the other end, India remains in a challenging position. As Washington Sundar joins him after lunch, fans are hoping the pair can pull off a miracle chase.

New Zealand’s spinners, particularly Ajaz Patel, have been impressive, exploiting India’s vulnerabilities on the turning Wankhede pitch. Patel, who broke the partnership by removing Ravindra Jadeja for just six runs, has been instrumental in breaking India’s top order, and the Black Caps’ spinners continue to keep India under constant pressure. In the early sessions, Patel and Rachin Ravindra dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan, putting the visiting team on the back foot early on.

As Day 3 continues, India’s chances rest heavily on Pant’s shoulders. If Pant and Sundar can build a resilient stand, India may still have a fighting chance, but any further wickets could put New Zealand firmly in command and expose India’s vulnerability to quality spin—a factor that has haunted their performance in this series.

.@ShreyasIyer15 continues to impress as he led the counter-attack for 🇮🇳 by scoring a well-crafted 8⃣7️⃣ 🤩

📹 Watch the highlights of his innings here 🏏#ShreyasIyer #BANvIND #SonySportsNetwork pic.twitter.com/ZKJ1RSyNwZ

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) December 23, 2022

Sarfaraz Khan playing on flat tracks in Mumbai and averaging like Bradman have made general audience believe he is next big thing.

I am saying it again, Sanju Samson who plays on testing wickets in Kerala will be more useful than him in Red ball.#INDvNZpic.twitter.com/SWJGJ01kO5

— Anurag™ (@Samsoncentral) November 3, 2024

Imagine the level of politics that This one innings wonder Sarfaraz Khan Replaced KL Rahul 🤡🤡#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/LVaNHnDxB1

— 𝙎𝙤𝙣𝙪 ✨ (@KLfied_) November 3, 2024

The biggest downfall for Indian cricket is that Rohit Sharma & Sarfaraz Khan are playing test cricket for India, and Our selfless captain Rohit Sharma is playing only on the captaincy quota, and players like Shreyas lyer & KL Rahul are not playing just because of these two. pic.twitter.com/578BUkZQEZ

— Pick-up Shot (@96ShreyasIyer) November 3, 2024

Shreyas Iyer used to rescue Indian from these collapses on spin tracks and Indian team dropped him for this flat pitch bully Sarfaraz Khan, who looked incredibly clueless when ball started to turn in last 2 tests.

Sarfaraz in last 2 tests - 11, 9, 0, 1.pic.twitter.com/Ugo2MrWNRA

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) November 3, 2024

Petition to drop Sarfaraz khan from test cricket 🙏 he can only score in Ranji. Like this tweet and I will give 1000 Rupees to everyone 🌟#sarfrazkhan #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/uBtUJQCbgT

— Ashish (@SirAshu2002) November 3, 2024

Rohit Sharma, Sarfaraz Khan, Yashasvi Jaiswal
All them failed but only KL Rahul got dropped i don't know why #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/tCGrEH4uoW

— Chase (@holopoem_3) November 3, 2024

Another PR merchant ~Sarfaraz Khan #Ind pic.twitter.com/idWjQfhBqF

— कृष्णा 🥀 (@Unfunny_Thor) November 2, 2024

Sarfaraz khan #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/GpGp9tZEjg

— Pulkit (@PulkitK107) November 3, 2024

Sarfaraz Khan is slowly growing as an important cricketer after his remarkable batting performances in his early international career. Surely, we are set to see his international cricket journey, which has a huge patience story with an unshakable dedication.  

Father Naushad Khan had a dream to represent the Indian national cricket team. While his cricket career didn’t see wider success, his sons are fulfilling his dream and setting an inspirational story.

Father fought hard

After completing his cricket career in Mumbai, Naushad Khan started as a coach. Under his coaching, a lot of cricketers have shined at youth ages, including Iqbal Abdulla and Kamran Khan. 

Naushad started his sons' cricket coaching at an early age. Just like the other students of his coaching center, Naushad also set up morning training and a particular diet plan for his sons. 

Naushad learned Sarfaraz Khan’s cricketing talent at an early age, as his eldest son had a great talent for timing the ball well. As his sons got a perfect cricket atmosphere, their ambition for the sport grew from childhood. Due to his cricket commitments, Sarfaraz even didn’t attend school for four years. During that time, a private tutor taught him the math and English. 

Tumhaare mein talent hai toh apne bachchon ko khilaake dikhao na

While Naushad worked hard with his children and the other talented young boys, he was hurt in a few incidents. In 2016, he revealed one incident. While his coaching helped Iqbal Abdulla to shine at a young age, Abdulla later said, according to Naushad’s interview with Indian Express, “That is when he spoke those unforgettable words, Mere mein kabiliyat thi, main khela. Tumhaare mein talent hai toh apne bachchon ko khilaake dikhao na. (I had the ability, so I played. If you have the talent, then make your son play and show the world.”  

Harris Shield record

Sarfaraz came to the limelight in Indian cricket at a very early age. At the age of 12 years, Sarfaraz broke Sachin Tendulkar’s Harris Shield record by scoring 439 runs off 421 balls for Rizvi Springfield. It was his first Harris Shield match where the right-handed batter hit 56 fours and 12 sixes. 

Impressive in U19 cricket

Soon Sarfaraz started to play for Mumbai U19 as well as India U19. In 2013, during a quadrangular series in India, India U19 batter Sarfaraz scored a match-winning 66-ball 101 runs against South Africa in a chase.  

Sarfaraz played two ICC U19 Cricket World Cups as he served for India U19 in 2014 and 2016. While he scored 211 runs in six innings (average 70.33) with two half-centuries in 2014, he was the second-leading run-scorer in 2016 after scoring 355 runs in six innings (average 71.00) with five half-centuries. In the 2016 edition, the India U19 team finished as the runners-up. 

ICC U19 World Cup records

Sarfaraz was the second player to record five 50+ scores in a single edition of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup (after Australian Brett Williams in 1988). At present, he is among four batters to achieve this record. Meanwhile, he still holds the record for most 50+ scores in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup history with seven half-centuries.  

One of the youngest IPL debutants

Sarfaraz’s youth cricket performances were enough to tell the cricket world that he would carry a long run in the cricket world. Before his second U19 World Cup, he already made his domestic cricket debut as well as his IPL debut. Royal Challengers Bangalore bought him for INR 50 lakhs for the IPL 2015, where he made his IPL debut. 

According to present ESPNcricinfo Statsguru information, at the age of 17 years and 182 days, Sarfaraz made his IPL debut against Chennai Super Kings and became the second youngest to make an IPL debut. In his second IPL innings, he scored 45 not out off 21 balls with six fours and one six. 

Sarfaraz Khan stunned in retention

Sarfaraz was the only uncapped player to be retained by a franchise for the IPL 2016. During the IPL 2016, although he played some useful cameos for RCB, he was dropped from the team due to his fitness problem. Although he scored only 66 runs in five matches, his batting strike rate was 212.90. 

For the IPL 2018, Sarfaraz was retained by the RCB, while Chris Gayle, KL Rahul, Kedar Jadhav, and Yuzvendra Chahal were ignored. However, due to his poor form, he was released before the IPL 2019 auction. 

From 2019 to 2021, Sarfaraz served for Punjab Kings. Between 2022 and 2023, Sarfaraz served for Delhi Capitals, where he kept wicket for one match in 2023. 

In his IPL career, Sarfaraz has played 50 matches to score 585 runs with an average of 22.50, including one half-century. The right-hander has a 130.58 batting strike rate in his IPL career. 

Impressive first-class career

While Sarfaraz started his domestic cricket career for Mumbai after making his debut in three domestic formats in 2014, he served for Uttar Pradesh in the 2015/16 season. After one season, he returned to serve for Mumbai.

In his 51 first-class matches, the right-handed batter has scored 4422 runs with an incredible average of 69.09. He has recorded 15 centuries and 14 half-centuries. His highest score in first-class cricket is 301 not out against Uttar Pradesh in the 2019/20 Ranji Trophy. 

Although he was a wicketkeeper at a young age, he restarted the keeping in senior cricket in 2022. 

Sarfaraz has also played 37 List A games and 96 T20s, where he has scored 629 runs (average 34.94) with two centuries and 1188 runs (average 22.41) with three half-centuries, respectively. 

Despite performing consistently in domestic first-class cricket, Sarfaraz was initially not included in the Indian squad. He scored 900+ runs in successive first-class seasons. However, he was ignored for the national team selection due to his fitness and on-field and off-field disciplinary issues. 

Turning point

Last January, during the England Lions tour of India, Sarfaraz scored 96 runs for India A in a tour game and then scored 4 and 55 runs in the first first-class match and 161 runs in the second fixture. These performances ultimately helped him to earn the national team call-up as the replacement for the injured players. 

Finally, the dream Test debut

During the Rajkot Test against England last February, Sarfaraz ultimately made his international debut. He scored 62 and 68 not out on his Test debut, as he became the fourth Indian to score two 50+ scores on the Test debut. Among the Test debutant players with twin 50+ scores, Sarfaraz recorded the highest strike rate with 94.20. In that home Test series, Sarfaraz scored 200 runs in five innings with an average of 50.00, including three half-centuries.  

In the ongoing domestic cricket season, while Sarfaraz was disappointed in the Duleep Trophy, he scored an unbeaten double-century (222*) against the Rest of India, which ultimately ended in a winning cause (Mumbai won on 1st innings lead). 

So, there is no surprise with his incredible 150-run knock in the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand, while the Indian team was under pressure. 

Musheer Khan: Brother of Sarfaraz Khan

While Sarfaraz Khan has already started to shine, his brother Musheer Khan is also growing fast. The 19-year-old has scored 716 runs in nine first-class matches with an average of 51.14. The right-handed batter has already scored three centuries and one half-century. His first first-class hundred was a double century (203*) against Baroda during the quarter-final of the Ranji Trophy 2023/24. 

In the recent Duleep Trophy 2024/25, Musheer started the tournament with a knock of 181 runs. 

As a left-arm spinner, Musheer has also picked up eight wickets in his first-class career. 

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant continues to shine in his return to Test cricket. After a stellar century against Bangladesh, Pant delivered another crucial performance, striking an unbeaten fifty in the 1st Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. In doing so, he achieved a significant milestone, surpassing Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev on the list of most sixes hit by Indian players in Test cricket.

India's second-innings fightback led by Sarfaraz Khan and Pant

India, facing a daunting trail of 356 runs after New Zealand bowled them out for a meager 46 in the first innings, mounted a remarkable comeback in the second innings. Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a strong start with a 72-run opening stand. Rohit scored a quickfire fifty off just 63 balls, while Jaiswal contributed a valuable 35.

Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan then stitched together a critical 136-run partnership for the third wicket, with Sarfaraz smashing his maiden Test century. Kohli fell on the last ball of Day 3, but Sarfaraz’s ton, combined with Pant’s unbeaten fifty, kept India in the game as they looked to set a challenging target for the visitors.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable performances in Test cricket on home soil have truly set him apart as a dominant force. In just 17 innings, Pant has amassed an impressive 873 runs, boasting a remarkable average of 62.35 and a striking strike rate of 87.82. His aggressive yet controlled style of play has earned him two centuries and seven fifties, further solidifying his role as one of India's most reliable and dynamic players in the longest format of the game. Pant's ability to deliver under pressure continues to make him a standout performer in Indian cricket.

See Also: Watch: Rohit Sharma's playful IPL team query goes viral

Pant surpasses Kapil Dev in six-hitting record

Known for his fearless and aggressive style of play, Rishabh Pant was just three sixes away from eclipsing Kapil Dev’s impressive tally of 61 sixes in Test cricket. Pant accomplished this feat during India's second innings, smashing left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel for two consecutive sixes in an over. Pant now ranks sixth on the list of Indian cricketers with the most sixes in Test cricket, with a total of 63 sixes in just 62 innings.

Here is the updated list of most sixes by Indian players in Test cricket:

1. Virender Sehwag – 90 sixes in 178 innings
2. Rohit Sharma – 88 sixes in 107 innings
3. MS Dhoni – 78 sixes in 144 innings
4. Sachin Tendulkar – 69 sixes in 329 innings
5. Ravindra Jadeja – 66 sixes in 108 innings
6. Rishabh Pant – 63 sixes in 62 innings
7. Kapil Dev – 61 sixes in 184 innings

Pant’s exceptional achievement in just 62 innings puts him among India’s top six-hitters in Test cricket, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most dynamic wicketkeeper-batters in modern-day cricket. Pant's remarkable home record, coupled with his ability to play fearless cricket under pressure, makes him a vital asset for India in the longest format of the game.

Sarfaraz Khan's brilliance with the bat saved Team India from a precarious position as the middle-order batter registered his maiden international century on Day 4 of the first Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. His century not only revived India's hopes but also shifted the momentum in their favor after New Zealand took a massive 356-run lead in the first innings.

Sarfaraz's gritty century leads India's comeback

Returning to the Indian Test squad after missing the Bangladesh series, Sarfaraz Khan rose to the occasion when India needed him the most. After a disappointing first innings where he was dismissed for a duck, Sarfaraz made amends with a stellar knock in the second innings. His aggressive century, scored off just 110 balls at a strike rate of 90.91, provided a much-needed boost for the hosts. Resuming the day on 70*, Sarfaraz took charge of the innings alongside an injured Rishabh Pant, confidently attacking the New Zealand bowlers with some brilliant shots, including ramp shots and cuts.

The 26-year-old, who usually bats at No.4 for Mumbai, found himself in the same position in this Test due to Shubman Gill's absence. His ability to play under pressure was evident as he put up a solid performance, frustrating the New Zealand bowlers and shifting the pressure back onto the visitors. His century is a testament to his recent form, having scored a double century in the Irani Cup for Mumbai earlier this season.

See Also: Watch: Furious Deandra Dottin changes the semi-final chase in an over with 3 sixes

Fiery mix-up with Pant Tests Sarfaraz’s nerves

Sarfaraz's day wasn’t without drama. In the 56th over, a horrific mix-up with Rishabh Pant nearly ended his innings prematurely. After cutting a delivery from Matt Henry to deep backward point, Sarfaraz looked to take a single, but Pant, slow off the blocks and guilty of ball-watching, hesitated on the second run. Despite Sarfaraz’s animated gestures and yelling from the non-striker's end, Pant charged halfway down the pitch. Fortunately for India, Tom Blundell fumbled with the bails, allowing Pant to survive a close call. The heated exchange between Sarfaraz and Pant showcased the intensity of the moment, with Sarfaraz visibly frustrated but determined to keep the momentum going.

While Sarfaraz’s passionate reaction highlighted the high stakes of the match, his innings ultimately became the defining moment of India’s comeback in the Test. With his century in the bag, Sarfaraz will now aim to extend India’s innings and help his team take a crucial lead as they attempt to level the series.

Sarfaraz Khan, the middle-order sensation from Mumbai, reached a major milestone by scoring his maiden international century on Day 4 of the first Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. With India trailing by a massive 356-run first-innings lead, Sarfaraz's heroic hundred provided a crucial lifeline, helping Team India claw their way back into the contest.

Sarfaraz Khan’s brilliant knock rescues India

Returning to India's playing XI after missing the Bangladesh series, Sarfaraz Khan came out with a point to prove. Dismissed for a duck in the first innings, the 26-year-old stepped up under immense pressure in the second innings. With the home team staring down the barrel, Sarfaraz played a counter-attacking knock, smashing a hundred off just 110 balls with a strike rate of 90.91. His aggressive innings, filled with ramp shots, cuts, and sublime strokes, shifted the momentum back in India’s favor.

Starting the day on 70 not out, Sarfaraz wasted no time, accelerating the scoring with ease. Despite Rishabh Pant joining him at the crease with an injury, Sarfaraz took charge, ensuring that India inched closer to reducing the deficit. His century not only showcased his resilience but also highlighted his ability to step up in crisis situations, living up to his reputation as Mumbai’s ‘crisis man.’

See Also: Watch: Furious Deandra Dottin changes the semi-final chase in an over with 3 sixes

A crucial knock amidst pressure

Sarfaraz Khan's century came at a pivotal time when India needed someone to anchor the innings. His knock marked the 22nd instance of an Indian batter registering both a duck and a hundred in the same Test, a rare feat last achieved by Shubman Gill in 2024. Having previously scored an unbeaten double-century for Mumbai in the Irani Cup, Sarfaraz's current form has made him a valuable asset for Team India.

Usually batting at No. 4 for Mumbai, Sarfaraz was entrusted with the same responsibility in this Test match due to Shubman Gill's absence. His knock was filled with attacking flair, helping India cut down the deficit and providing hope for a possible lead. As Sarfaraz continues to build on his impressive performance, all eyes will be on him to see if he can lead India to a strong position by adding more runs.

Sarfaraz's form lifts India’s hopes

Sarfaraz's brilliant innings has cemented his place as a crucial part of India's middle-order, especially when under pressure. His century has revived India’s chances in a game that seemed to be slipping away, and with Sarfaraz’s reputation for playing long innings, India will be hopeful for more runs from the young star.

Talented batter Sarfaraz Khan is going to miss Mumbai's Ranji Trophy opener against Baroda from October 11 as well. The veteran Mumbai batter, who played a match-winning unbeaten 222 in their Irani Cup win last week, will be at the National Cricket Academy, according to sources as well.

Sarfaraz Khan is likely to retain his place in the India squad

However, the Mumbai selectors named the squad for their first two matches. Defending champions Mumbai will take on Baroda in an away fixture from October 11, whereas they play against Maharashtra at home from October 18, which will coincide with the India-New Zealand first Test in Bengaluru from October 16 as well.

And, Sarfaraz Khan is expected to retain his place in the India squad for the much-awaited series against New Zealand as well.

Mumbai Squad: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer, Siddhessh Lad, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore (WK), Sidhaant Addhatrao (WK), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Himanshu Singh, Shardul Thakur, Mohit Avasthi, Mohd. Juned Khan, Royston Dias.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Top 5 captains of the tournament

Mumbai Cricket Association awarded Mumbai Rs 1-crore for their historic Irani Cup win

Ajinkya Rahane’s Mumbai team made history on Saturday by clinching the Irani Cup for the first time in 27 years, defeating the Rest of India (RoI) side at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. This monumental victory marks Mumbai’s 15th Irani Cup title, the most by any Ranji Trophy team, further cementing their legacy as one of India's premier cricket teams.

Sarfaraz Khan shines with unbeaten double century

After being sent in to bat on Day 1, Mumbai made a commanding start by posting a formidable total of 537, thanks to Sarfaraz Khan’s blistering unbeaten knock of 222, his fourth First-Class double hundred. Sarfaraz’s innings was the cornerstone of Mumbai’s batting effort, while captain Ajinkya Rahane also contributed with a solid 97. The partnership laid the foundation for Mumbai’s dominance in the match.

𝐌𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐢 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 #𝐈𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 👏 👏

Mohit Avasthi gets his 50. Tanush Kotian remains unbeaten on 114. The players shake hands 🤝

The match ends in a draw & Mumbai win the trophy by virtue of taking first-innings lead 🙌#IraniCup | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/0GTKkAdU6m

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) October 5, 2024

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Kotian’s heroics and Easwaran’s fightback

In response, Rest of India managed to score 416, with Abhimanyu Easwaran leading the fight with a brilliant 191. However, Mumbai's bowlers worked cohesively to secure a crucial 121-run first-innings lead, a margin that would prove to be the turning point. Mumbai’s second innings saw a shaky start with early dismissals, but Tanush Kotian’s heroic unbeaten 114 and Mohit Avasthi’s 51 not out stabilized the innings. The duo's unbroken 158-run partnership took the game beyond RoI’s reach.

With the match heading toward a draw, the teams shook hands when Mumbai reached 329 for 8, handing them victory based on their first-innings lead.

Musheer Khan will be out of action for quite some time now

SEE ALSO: Watch: Fight between India and Bangladesh fans at Kanpur

Sarfaraz Khan has been released from the Test squad in Kanpur

In a recent development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the squads for the second round of the Duleep Trophy. Notably, many players selected for India's opening Test against Bangladesh, including prominent names like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill, have been withdrawn from the Duleep Trophy. However, the scenario is different for Sarfaraz Khan and Yash Dayal, who have both been asked to continue their participation in the Duleep Trophy despite their inclusion in the Test squad.

Sarfaraz Khan and Yash Dayal retain Duleep Trophy duties

Sarfaraz Khan and Yash Dayal, both of whom are part of India's 16-man squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, will continue to play in the Duleep Trophy. This decision indicates that they are unlikely to be included in the playing eleven for the Test match scheduled to take place in Chennai. The BCCI's move suggests a strategic approach, potentially to maintain their form and fitness leading up to the Test series.

Impact on team selection and player competitions

Sarfaraz Khan’s continued participation in the Duleep Trophy suggests that KL Rahul is likely to secure a spot in India’s Test XI. Khan and Rahul were viewed as direct competitors for a middle-order position, and Khan’s presence in the Duleep Trophy aligns with Rahul’s probable inclusion in the Test squad. Meanwhile, there have been no changes to the India C squad led by Ruturaj Gaikwad. Noteworthy performances have been observed from Pant, Rahul, and Akash Deep in the Duleep Trophy opener, indicating a promising return to form for these players.

The BCCI, in a release ahead of the second round of Duleep Trophy matches, said: "India B's Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant have been named in India's squad and the selectors have named Suyash Prabhudessai and Rinku Singh as replacements respectively. Fast bowler Yash Dayal has received his maiden national call-up while Sarfaraz Khan, who too has been named in India's squad, will feature in the second-round game."

See Also: Watch: Chahal shines with 5-wicket haul for Northamptonshire in County Championship

Updated India A squad: Mayank Agarwal (C), Riyan Parag, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Tanush Kotian, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan, Kumar Kushagra, Shaswat Rawat, Pratham Singh, Akshay Wadkar, SK Rasheed, Shams Mulani, Aaqib Khan

Updated India B squad: Abhimanyu Easwaran (C), Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Mukesh Kumar, Rahul Chahar, R Sai Kishore, Mohit Awasthi, N Jagadeesan (WK), Suyash Prabhudessai, Rinku Singh, Himanshu Mantri (WK)

Team C squad remains unchanged for the second round. 

Updated India D squad: Shreyas lyer (C), Atharva Taide, Yash Dubey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ricky Bhui, Saransh Jain, Arshdeep Singh, Aditya Thakare, Harshit Rana, Akash Sengupta, KS Bharat (WK), Saurabh Kumar, Sanju Samson (WK), Nishant Sindhu, Vidwath Kaverappa