Published By: Sayan Guha

Sarfaraz Khan’s Dilemma: More Runs, Fewer Chances—What’s Going On?

As KL Rahul gets another go, is Sarfaraz being unfairly sidelined?

Imagine this: You've been ripping it up in domestic cricket for years, racking up runs and receiving accolades from all sides. You finally receive the call to represent India in the Test squad—it's a dream come true, right? However, just as you are preparing for the first Test against Bangladesh, you are notified that you will be playing in the Duleep Trophy instead. Isn't it confusing?

That is where Sarfaraz Khan stands. Despite being named to India's Test squad, he has been requested to compete in the second round of the Duleep Trophy, while others in the team, such as Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul, have been exempted. Sarfaraz has had the same old story: he is a run machine in domestic cricket but is usually on the margins of the national squad.

The numbers don't lie

Let's look at Sarfaraz's figures. His domestic performance has been outstanding, particularly in the Ranji Trophy. Sarfaraz hit an astounding 928 runs in only six matches in the 2019-20 season, with an average of 154.66, including a triple century (301*) against Uttar Pradesh. This is the stuff legends are built of.

In the 2022–23 Ranji Trophy season, he scored 556 runs in six matches at an average of 92.66, including three centuries. What is his total first-class career average? A staggering 79.65. When a player has stats like these, it begs the question: Why isn't Sarfaraz in the Indian Test XI?

KL Rahul: The man in the way?

When you examine KL Rahul's inclusion, it becomes evident why Sarfaraz was excluded. Rahul, a seasoned Test cricketer with 50 appearances, has had a roller-coaster career. He's a standout on international grounds, having scored centuries at legendary venues like Lord's, The Oval, and Centurion. Seven of his eight Test hundreds have occurred overseas, demonstrating his capacity to deliver under pressure on difficult surfaces.

But here's the thing: Rahul's domestic Test record could be better. His last century on Indian soil came in 2016 against England, when he made 199 in Chennai. Since then, Rahul has played 19 home Tests, amassing 952 runs at an average of 30.70, with no hundreds in sight.

His discrepancy with Indian conditions has prompted controversy. Rahul scored 315 runs in 9 Test innings at an average of 35 in 2021-22 and then averaged only 25.5 in 6 innings in 2023. Despite these figures, Rahul continues to earn support from the selectors.

Sarfaraz vs. Rahul: A statistical comparison

The differences are glaring when we compare Sarfaraz's domestic performances to Rahul's recent Test form. Since 2020, Sarfaraz has scored 2,050 runs in 20 first-class innings at an average of 136.66, including 8 centuries and 5 fifties. Meanwhile, KL Rahul has had a poor Test average of 33.9 since 2020, with only two hundred in 23 innings.

Now you have to wonder why Sarfaraz isn't being recognised for his consistent performance. In a country like India, where there is tremendous rivalry for a berth on the national team, form and performance should take precedence over reputation.

The never-ending wait for Sarfaraz

Sarfaraz has been in this difficult situation before. Despite his impressive domestic record, he's frequently shelved. Earlier this year, he made his long-awaited Test debut against England in Rajkot and delivered. He hit two fifties—62 in the first and 68* in the second innings. Few cricketers can boast such a debut.

Despite his promising start, Sarfaraz has been sidelined since. His narrative is like déjà vu. He's doing everything right—scoring runs, being consistent, and executing in crucial situations—but someone else is continually selected ahead of him.

Rahul's record against Bangladesh: Another red flag

Rahul's poor record against Bangladesh, India's coming Test opponent, further adds to the dilemma. Rahul has scored only 69 runs at an average of 11.5 in six innings against Bangladesh, with a top score of 43. Compared to his total Test average of 34.08, it is evident that Bangladesh is Rahul's nemesis.

The burden is on Rahul, as the forthcoming series will likely determine whether he remains in the squad for the all-important Australia visit. While Rahul's overseas record provides a lifeline, dismissing his home troubles is difficult, especially when a player like Sarfaraz is pushing so hard on the door.