'Sarfraz doesn't need an India A game to play international cricket': Shardul Thakur's blunt take on Khan's snub for South Africa A series

Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur has strongly advocated for Sarfaraz Khan and clearly said that the star batter does not require further exposure on India A tours to earn back his place in the national Test team.

If Sarfaraz Khan gets back to scoring again, he can straight away play Test series: Shardul Thakur

Speaking to the media on October 24, Thakur emphasised that Sarfaraz's consistent and impressive domestic performances, coupled with his existing experience, already make him a suitable candidate for international cricket. Thakur's stance suggests Sarfaraz is ready for a recall, regardless of his current absence from India A squads or recent Test selections.

"Nowadays, for the India A side, they look at boys, who they want to prepare for international cricket," Thakur told the reporters ahead of Mumbai's second round Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh on October 25.

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This backing comes as Sarfaraz has been repeatedly overlooked by selectors. The Mumbai batsman, who last played for India during the home series against New Zealand in November 2024, subsequently missed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Despite undergoing a noted physical transformation, he was not picked for the tour of England and was also ignored for the home series against the West Indies. The surprise among fans grew when Sarfaraz was recently excluded from the India A squad for the series against South Africa A.

"Sarfraz doesn't need an India A game to play international cricket. If he gets back to scoring again, he can straight away go and play Test series also," Thakur further added.

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Thakur's defence of Sarfaraz came after the batsman failed to convert his starts in both innings during Mumbai's recent Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir, a game that marked Mumbai's first-ever victory over the team. Thakur contextualised these performances, pointing out that Sarfaraz is just returning from a significant injury layoff. "He is coming from injury lay-off. But before that, he scored two-three centuries in the Buchi Babu Trophy before getting injured," Thakur said, highlighting Sarfaraz’s strong form prior to his setback.

Sarfaraz is one of the special players who never disappoints: Shardul Thakur

Earlier in the year, Sarfaraz had been part of the India A setup, travelling for tours in Australia and England, though he was unable to break into the senior Test side. During that period, he notably delivered a composed 92 against the England Lions in Canterbury. This performance was particularly significant as it silenced critics and demonstrated his ability to handle challenging pace- and bounce-friendly conditions in England.

"Coming back against J&K in the previous match, he had a nice 40 (42). It was very unfortunate to have been run out. But for him, I don't think playing India A is important. He is a senior pro and whenever we put him in there in the 22 yards, he is someone who always delivers in crunch situations," India's star all-rounder further said.

"He has big scores of 200-250s and those innings have come when the team was two or three down quite early in the innings. To play that kind of innings under pressure, you have to have something special in you. He is one of the special players who never disappoints to perform and put up big scores. He has done it for years and years. Regardless of which number he bats, I think he will deliver," Thakur signed off.