Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg reckons if Sarfaraz Khan can improve his IPL performances, he will have a long Test career for India. Khan was not picked for the upcoming two-match Test series against West Indies despite his consistent domestic circuit renditions.
One of the BCCI officials also confirmed that Sarfaraz Khan’s snub is not related to his on-field performances but has more to do with his off-field disciplinary issues and fitness.
Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan could only score 53 runs in four matches for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023. The youngster has scored 585 runs in 50 IPL matches at an average of 22.5 and thus he hasn’t been able to grab his chances in the lucrative tournament.
Since the past three seasons, Sarfaraz has amassed 2566 runs in 37 Ranji Trophy games, averaging an impressive 79.65, but still, these numbers are not good enough to attract the national selectors.
“Sarfaraz Khan has been sensational in the Ranji Trophy. Why is he not in this squad? I know why Sarfaraz Khan wasn’t picked and is not looked out in the India lineup right now at Test level,” said Hogg on his YouTube Channel.
The former Australian spinner added that Khan doesn’t have a great record against quality fast bowlers and it is leading to his non-selection for the national team.
“One – he bats in the middle order for his state team that’s five or six. Also, in the IPL if you look at his record against good-quality high pace bowling, it’s not that good,” Hogg added.
Hogg feels if Sarfaraz Khan can improve his game against the fast bowlers and come up with consistent performances in the IPL, he will further boost his chances of getting the India call-up.
“I think this is where the Indian selectors are a little bit shy with Sarfaraz Khan. If he can improve that in the next IPL then I’m sure he’s going to have a long career for India at Test level,” said Hogg.
India will next take on West Indies in two Test matches, three ODIs, and five T20Is.
