Out-of-favour Sarfaraz Khan sends firm message to selectors, smashes double-century for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy

Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan continued his red-hot form in domestic cricket and went on to score a double-century against Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy. He reached the milestone after facing just 206 deliveries, registering the fifth First-Class double hundred of his career. Sarfaraz had earlier reached his 17th First-Class ton on Day 1 and had formed a mammoth 249-run stand alongside Siddhesh Lad, who also played a fine knock of 104.

The 28-year-old had finished the opening day unbeaten on 142 and continued to bat in the same rhythm on Day 2. He smashed opposing bowlers all around the stadium and played many stunning shots. He scored runs at a decent pace throughout the innings and never let the bowlers pressurize him. 

Sarfaraz dismissed for 227

After reaching his double-hundred, Sarfaraz went on to punish the Hyderabad bowlers even more for the next few overs. He was eventually dismissed after scoring 227 runs from 219 deliveries as Mumbai went down to 488/6. He was assisted well by Suved Parkar from the other end and the duo formed a massive partnership of 154 runs. Parkar would also be dismissed almost six overs later for a well-played knock of 75. Mumbai have already crossed the 500-run mark and have gotten into a formidable position in the match. It now remains to be seen if their bowlers will be able to deliver as well.

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Meanwhile, Sarfaraz has showcased excellent form across the three formats. He had registered hundreds for Mumbai in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. He even went on to finish as Mumbai's leading run-scorer in the VHT with 303 runs from just six innings, averaging 75.75 and maintaining a strike-rate of 190.56.

Sarfaraz's long international absence

Sarfaraz's last appearance for Team India had come during their Test series against New Zealand back in November, 2024. He has since not been given any chance at the international circuit despite his impressive performances for Mumbai. It remains to be seen if the batter will finally receive an India call-up following his heroic batting displays in domestic cricket.