Why BCCI recall Sarfaraz Khan for the IND vs SL Test series? Check details

Team India is set to play a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting August 15. However, the team has suffered two major setbacks ahead of the series. Star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan have been ruled out due to injuries. Auqib Nabi and Sarfaraz Khan have been added to the squad as their replacements. It will be interesting to see whether either of them gets a chance in the playing XI. While Auqib Nabi has received his maiden call-up, Sarfaraz Khan is making a comeback to the national team after two years.

Sarfaraz last featured in the white jersey against New Zealand in the third and final Test at Wankhede Stadium in 2024. At that time, Rohit Sharma was the captain. Earlier that year, Sarfaraz had made his debut against England. So far, he has scored 371 runs in 11 innings of 6 tests with an average of 37.10. He has a century and 3 half-centuries to his name. During the series, he was also part of the squad for the tour of Australia but did not get to play a single match, subsequently losing his spot. However, consistent run-scoring in domestic cricket has paved the way for his return to the team.

Earlier reports suggested that Ruturaj Gaikwad would replace Sai Sudharsan, but Gaikwad failed to impress the selectors while playing for the 'A' team, leading to Sarfaraz Khan's selection instead. Gaikwad scored only 36 runs across three innings, missing the opportunity to make his Test debut for India.

Sarfaraz plays spin bowling well. Sri Lankan pitches are known to assist spinners, which caused him given this opportunity. It remains to be seen whether he can seize this chance with both hands.  Sarfaraz's average in domestic cricket after 62 matches stands at 64.73, which proves that he could prove to be an excellent middle-order player.

The first India vs Sri Lanka Test match will start on August 15 at Galle International Stadium, Galle. Ahead of the test series, Shubman Gill & co. also played a 3-day warm-up fixture against Sri Lanka XI, which the visiting side won by 6 wickets.