Udaipur, Oct 22, 2025: Even though Sarfaraz Khan has an impressive record at the domestic level, he has not made it to the Indian team yet. His last game for India was at home in November 2024 against New Zealand, and he has been waiting to play again since. He has also missed out on the India A team selection.

The selectors have got the India A squad confirmed for the ODI series against South Africa A, but Sarfaraz's absence has certainly caused people to talk. Additionally, a new report has provided additional details on why Sarfaraz was overlooked for the home Test series against the West Indies.

Sarfaraz Khan's omission

Mumbai’s star batsman Sarfaraz Khan, known for his strong domestic record, has once again been left out of the Indian Test team. According to reports, Sarfaraz was initially told he might be included in the squad for the home Test series against the West Indies, but his name was dropped at the last minute.

As per The Indian Express, the Test squad was announced on September 25, while Sarfaraz cleared his fitness test on September 27. Since the COE had not declared him fit at the time of selection, he was excluded.

Interestingly, while many players are selected “subject to fitness,” Sarfaraz was not given this option. Reports also say he was added to the India A squad for the England tour only to avoid questions about his omission, as he is a BCCI-contracted player.

Fans on social media are angry and questioning why Sarfaraz keeps getting ignored despite his consistent domestic performances. So far, he has scored 4,759 runs in 56 first-class matches at an average of 65.19. In six Tests for India, he has made 371 runs, including one century and three half-centuries.

His exclusion from the recent home Test series against the West Indies has once again sparked debate over his selection.

Is number 3 his only chance?

According to a PTI report, some selectors believe Sarfaraz should be tried at number 3 — a position still uncertain in the Indian team. Currently, Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant’s deputy in the India A team, is being tested in that role.

Selectors feel that if Sarfaraz continues to bat at number 5 or 6, he might struggle to find a place, as India already has several all-rounders for those spots. They suggest he discuss this with Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane and consider opening or batting at number 3, where he would face the new ball and increase his chances for selection.