Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan has not been included in the squad for the first set of Ranji Trophy 2024-25 matches. Instead, he will be at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) ahead of India’s three-match Test series against New Zealand, starting on October 16.
Sarfaraz’s absence comes after being released from Team India during the second Test against Bangladesh, which allowed him to participate in the 2024 Irani Cup. He made a significant impact by scoring a double-century for Mumbai, leading the Ajinkya Rahane-led team to victory, ending a 27-year wait for the trophy.
Sarfaraz’s Growing Role in India’s Middle Order
Sarfaraz Khan has caught the selectors’ attention with his consistent performances, particularly after a strong debut series against England earlier this year. While KL Rahul was favoured over Sarfaraz for the Bangladesh series, the latter remains in the mix as a reliable middle-order option.
His domestic form continues to boost his chances of breaking into the playing XI, especially in case of player rotation. With the New Zealand series looming, Sarfaraz’s recent form keeps him in contention, though he will need to maintain patience as Rahul continues to occupy the No. 5 spot after a solid performance against Bangladesh.
Mumbai’s Title Defense Begins Without Sarfaraz
Mumbai will kick off their Ranji Trophy title defense against Baroda away from home on October 11. Their first home fixture will take place against Maharashtra, starting on October 18, while
Sarfaraz remains with the national team. As the India-New Zealand Test series begins on October 16 in Bengaluru, Sarfaraz will focus on proving his worth at the national level. Despite missing out on domestic matches, his impressive first-class record makes him a strong candidate for future opportunities, even as he waits behind more experienced players like KL Rahul.
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