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Sarfaraz Khan, having received his maiden Test call-up for India, wasted no time hitting the ground running. Selected for India's squad in their second Test against England in Vizag on February 2, Sarfaraz joined the team after three additions were made to the Test squad due to injuries to Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul. Alongside spinner Sourabh Kumar and all-rounder Washington Sundar, Sarfaraz was brought in to strengthen the team.
The day after his selection, the 26-year-old was already in training mode, seen on the Mumbai fields at 6:30 in the morning, a dedication he shared on his Instagram story.
In a remarkable display of skill, Sarfaraz delivered a stellar performance against England Lions in a tour match for India A. Hailing from Mumbai, Sarfaraz scored an impressive 161 runs off 160 balls, including 18 boundaries and five sixes. This outstanding performance earned him the title of 'Player of the Match' as India A secured a victory over England Lions by an innings and 16 runs in Ahmedabad.
Sarfaraz has been in sensational form in the domestic circuit over the past few years and has regularly put his name in the mix for receiving a call-up for the Indian team, especially the Test side. He was the top scorer in the Ranji Trophy 2022 season with 982 runs and had scored 928 runs in the 2019/20 season as well.
The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) released a statement on January 29, confirming the omission of Jadeja and Rahul from India's squad for the second Test.
"Mr. Ravindra Jadeja and Mr. KL Rahul have been ruled out of the second IDFC First Bank Test against England in Vizag, starting February 02, 2024. Jadeja sustained a hamstring injury during play on Day 4 of the first Test in Hyderabad while Rahul complained of a right quadriceps pain," read the statement.
Jadeja played a pivotal innings, scoring 87 runs and taking three wickets in the first innings, followed by two more wickets in the second. Rahul also contributed with 86 runs in the first innings, but couldn't replicate his form when India chased 231 runs on Day 4.
Considering Sundar as a direct replacement for Jadeja is plausible. However, Sarfaraz might also be considered for the second Test, especially in the absence of Rahul and Virat Kohli. Kohli is expected to return for the third match of the series.
India's updated Squad for 2nd Test against England
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar, Sourabh Kumar.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)
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