Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes national selectors are overlooking Sarfaraz Khan for reasons beyond cricket. Jaffer stated that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter has continued to score heavily in domestic cricket but has struggled to secure a regular place in India’s Test team.

Sarfaraz Khan last played for India during the home Test series against New Zealand in October 2024, scoring 150 in the opening match. He was later named as an injury replacement for Sai Sudharsan for the away Test series against Sri Lanka in August but did not feature in either match.

Wasim Jaffer Questions Selectors Over Sarfaraz Khan’s Exclusion

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Wasim Jaffer questioned why the selectors continued to overlook Sarfaraz Khan. Jaffer believes his domestic performances should have earned him more opportunities at the international level.

“I feel there is definitely something. I feel that they don't want to pick him. Otherwise, the performance is in front of us. He has 18 first-class hundreds in such a small career,” Jaffer said.

“I don't know the reason, but I think it's beyond performance and cricketing reasons. I just feel that they don't want to pick Sarfaraz Khan, irrespective of how many runs he scores,” he added.

Sarfaraz has scored 371 runs from 11 Test innings at an average of 37.10. Despite his domestic performances and efforts to improve his fitness, he has struggled to earn another opportunity in India’s playing XI.

Sarfaraz Khan hits 154 in Ranji Trophy 2026-27

Sarfaraz Khan responded to a rare failure in Mumbai’s season opener against Chandigarh, where he scored just one run, with a commanding century against Himachal Pradesh in the second round of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27.

Batting at No. 5, he scored 154 off 228 balls, hitting 19 fours. His innings, along with Akash Anand’s 117, helped Mumbai post 528/8 declared and take control of the contest.

Sarfaraz registered his 18th First-Class century, strengthening his case for an international comeback. He has scored 5,314 runs in 65 First-Class matches at an average of 64.02, with a highest score of 301 not out. However, his selection will depend on the team management’s plans.

Mumbai Secure innings victory over Himachal Pradesh

Mumbai defeated Himachal Pradesh by an innings and 97 runs to register their second consecutive bonus-point victory in the tournament. After dismissing Himachal Pradesh for 140 in the first innings, Mumbai secured a 388-run lead with their total of 528/8 declared.

Mohit Avasthi led the bowling attack in the second innings, taking 5/44 as Himachal Pradesh were bowled out for 291 in 99.1 overs. Tushar Deshpande and Shams Mulani claimed two wickets each, while Sylvester D’Souza took one.

Himachal Pradesh captain Pukhraj Mann scored 50, while Vaibhav Kalta contributed 63, but their efforts could not prevent defeat.

Mumbai had opened their campaign with an innings-and-155-run win over Chandigarh and now lead the Elite Group D standings with 14 points from two matches. Mumbai will next face Haryana, with the match scheduled to begin on Monday, October 26.