IND vs ENG 2024: Sarfaraz Khan deserves national call-up – Chetan Sharma

Former Indian selector Chetan Sharma feels Sarfaraz Khan deserved his national call-up. Khan was added to India’s squad for the second Test against England after Ravindra Jadeja, and KL Rahul were ruled out due to injuries.

The Mumbai batter has been performing consistently at the domestic circuit and has finally reaped rewards for his consistent performances. Khan has amassed 3912 runs at an average of 69.85 in 45 first-class games and recently scored a fine knock of 161 runs off just 160 balls against England Lions in the second unofficial Test for India A.

The youngster has scored 14 first-class centuries and has been knocking on the selection doors for a long time. However, Khan didn’t make his Test debut at Vizag as the team management backed Rajat Patidar, who had earlier replaced Virat Kohli in the squad.

“Jab jagah banegi, tabhi mauka milega (You will get the opportunity only when there’s space in the team). I keep saying this to youngsters that you keep following the process. Just keep doing your work. Just work hard and forget about the rest. You will definitely get the outcome only if you have worked hard,” Sharma told CricketNext.

“Sarfaraz did so and he got the chance. And he deserves it. It is also a lesson for the budding youngsters that, don’t think much about the selection. If someone is good, he will definitely get the opportunity. But also keep in mind that whenever you get it, just make the most of it,” he added.

Meanwhile, India currently has an inexperienced batting unit as the selectors have shown exit doors to Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. Pujara recently scored a fine double-century against Jharkhand and Sharma feels experience is important in the longest format.

“Pujara is a big player. He got a double hundred [against Jharkhand] this season. But it entirely depends upon what the selectors are concentrating upon. Anyway, Ajit Agarkar might answer this question better than me,” Sharma quipped.

“Those who have been selected… they are talented. They possess the capability and that’s why they are a part of the Indian cricket team. Experience does matter in the longest format but maybe the younger lot has more spark. That’s all I can say,” he signed off.

India were 103-2 at lunch on the opening day of the second Test after making three changes to their playing XI.