Fans expressed frustration as Sarfaraz Khan was overlooked for the 2nd IND vs ENG Test, igniting a heated debate over the selection dilemma.
The anticipation leading up to the second Test between India and England sparked intense debates among fans, deliberating whether Sarfaraz Khan or Rajat Patidar should replace the injured KL Rahul in the playing XI. Post the toss in Vishakapatnam on February 2, it appeared that Patidar had secured the spot, marking his debut.
In contrast, Sarfaraz Khan, despite consistent domestic success, remains on the periphery of international exposure, even during Team India’s persistent middle-order concerns. Notably, he was omitted from the previous home series against Australia in 2023, despite being in sublime form.
Sarfaraz, expressing patience and self-belief, reflected on his journey in a BCCI-released video ahead of the second Test against England.
“The game is all about patience. If we have to play Test cricket, we have to be patient. In life, there are times when we rush ourselves. I would get emotional about my wait to get into the team. My father would always say, keep working hard and you would be unstoppable. Having self-belief and patience are very important,” Sarfaraz said.
Fans voiced frustration as Patidar earned his national team cap over Sarfaraz, compounded by dissatisfaction with Gill and Iyer retaining their positions, leaving Sarfaraz on the sidelines. Social media platform X (formerly Twitter), was flooded with reactions expressing displeasure at Sarfaraz’s exclusion, emphasizing his impressive first-class average of 69.85, superior to Patidar’s 45.97.
Take a look at some of the fan reactions here:
I would prefer Sarfaraz over Gill surely. Send out a message to the team that selection is based on current form and not reputation!
— Ronak Thakker (@ronaknthakker) February 2, 2024
This is absurd, Sarfraz deserved to be in playing 11.Looks like the quota system is prevalent in cricket too
— Sabchanga (@Sabchanga1) February 2, 2024
All this hype for Sarfaraz not being in the team
— cricket_fan_7 (@Vardhan_varkala) February 2, 2024
If I were captain I will ben ch myself to play Sarfaraz
— Ashutosh Das (@Ashutos73382533) February 2, 2024
Mental they’re not playing Sarfaraz Khan a bloke that averages nearly 70 in FC cricket. Seems like he’s been due a test call up for two years…
— . (@RJones1905) February 2, 2024
BCCI and their unconditional love for Sarfaraz Khan continues…
— Aditi 🌷 (@ewww_aditii) February 2, 2024
He is not making his debut today! pic.twitter.com/TEXi2tSXbj
Sarfaraz not getting cap means Gill getting another chance on 'talent quota'
— Ashutosh😼 (@IAshutoshMittal) February 2, 2024
Hopefully, Rajat isn't made another scapegoat like Shaw was
Last Updated on February 2, 2024
Senior Sports Copywriter