“Would Be Insolent But…”: Ex-India Star’s Dull Take After Sarfaraz Khan’s Test Choice

After playing First Class cricket for two to three years with consistency, Sarfaraz Khan received his first Test call-up.

Sarfaraz Khan received his first Test call-up for the second game of the series against England after dominating the home circuit. Although it’s not guaranteed, Sarfaraz may replace fellow rookie Rajat Patidar in the starting XI, or both may be selected. Even though Sarfaraz averages close to 70 in First Class cricket, former India batsman Deep Dasgupta isn’t quite sure of his ability, claiming he hasn’t scored runs in the important games.

“He deserves credit for the past two to three years of excellent form. Not too long ago, he scored runs against England A too. He was doing a consistent job, but two things were unclear.

“Who was to replace whom was the most important question. We can easily argue that a certain guy ought to be there, but only 11 players can actually participate, leaving the squad with only 15 or 16. Second, there was the question of “where are the runs in big matches?” which I have been posed by a few individuals, Dasgupta stated in a video posted on his YouTube account.

The former wicketkeeper believes that First Class cricket doesn’t produce teams of a caliber that can assist selectors in determining if a player should be on the national team.

“With all due respect, there are 37 teams in first-class cricket when people discuss it. Additionally, you’re up against some pretty mediocre squads. It would be unfair to some of the teams if I said this, but the quality of the runs is just as crucial. This is not a criticism of Sarfaraz.”

Dasgupta also commented on the Shubman Gill vs. Sarfaraz Khan analogy, stating that because selectors believe the former has greater potential than the latter, he is more likely to be given opportunities.

Sometimes, you have to persuade the team management and selectors about your abilities as a player. Do you believe Shubman Gill and Sarfaraz Khan, for instance, will have the same amount of opportunities?”

They won’t; that much is true. You see more promise in one, so it is really normal or natural. You thus award opportunities according to potential. It becomes crucial that the captain, selectors, and team management believe in your ability and what you are capable of,” he declared.