Suryakumar Yadav expressed joy as Sarfaraz Khan received his first-ever selection in the Indian Test team for the ongoing series against England. Despite Sarfaraz’s consistent run-scoring in domestic cricket over the past few seasons, the selectors had consistently overlooked him for Test opportunities.
On Monday (January 29), Sarfaraz Khan’s fortunes changed as he was included in the Indian Test squad for the second Test against England, replacing the injured KL Rahul. The decision on whether Rajat Patidar or Sarfaraz will fill KL Rahul’s spot in the playing XI for the second Test in Vizag is yet to be determined.
Upon hearing about Sarfaraz’s inclusion, Suryakumar Yadav expressed his joy for his fellow Mumbai teammate on Instagram. He posted a photo on his Instagram story and wrote:
“Happiest here. Maiden Indian call. Utsav ki tayyaarrii karo.”
Washington Sundar and Saurabh Kumar were included in the Test squad for the England series alongside Sarfaraz Khan
Following an unforeseen loss in the first Test against England, Team India faced additional setbacks off the field. Senior players Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul are unavailable for the second Test in Vizag due to fitness concerns.
Sarfaraz replaced Rahul, while Washington Sundar and Saurabh Kumar were called in for Jadeja. The official statement from BCCI on the matter stated:
“Jadeja sustained a hamstring injury during play on Day 4 of the first Test in Hyderabad while Rahul complained of a right quadriceps pain. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring the progress of the duo. The Men’s Selection Committee have added Sarfaraz Khan, Sourabh Kumar and Washington Sundar to India’s squad.”
India’s squad for the 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Kuldeep Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar, Sourabh Kumar.
The second Test match between India and England in Vizag is scheduled to start on Friday, February 2.
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