3 key reasons Sarfaraz Khan should debut for India in 3rd Test against England

Team India is currently hosting England for a 5-match Test series. The series is perfectly poised 1-1 and the 3rd Test is set to begin from 15th February with the teams gearing up for the games. The Men in Blue are yet to announce their squad for the last three matches. As per the recent development, Virat Kohli who was missing the first two games will also not be part of the upcoming games for some personal reasons. 

Sarfaraz Khan has been a budding talent over the years. He was given a chance in the 2nd Test as he was called up to replace KL Rahul. The Mumbai-born batter has been in fantastic form in first-class cricket, but he has consistently been ignored. The Indian teenager, who is agonisingly close to making his debut, had to wait a long time because he was not called up to the playing XI. After all, Patidar has been replacing Rahul. 

Sarfaraz might be a choice in the 3rd Test but there is tough competition of who is going to play as the 26-year-old batter has been waiting for his chance to play for long. The batter had the chance to replace Shubman Gill as he injured his finger and could not field. In the article, we will look at the reasons why Sarfaraz should get a chance to play.

Here are the three reasons why Sarfaraz should get a chance to play

3. Long-term vision

The selecting committee has tried out several middle-order batters. They even returned to Rahane last year when his substitutes failed to impress. Shreyas Iyer is a regular member of India's limited-overs team, but in the longest format of the game has not been consistent. The same applies to KL Rahul, who has been brilliant since his return and was crucial in the series in South Africa and the 1st Test as well. But with age being 26, he will be a good middle-order choice for a long-term vision, especially in the traditional format. 

2. Good domestic record

Sarfaraz Khan's record in domestic cricket speaks about his ability as a batter. He has repeatedly shown his skill as a top and middle-order batter in domestic tournaments like as the Ranji Trophy. He can score runs under pressure and he has shown that as well. In the 2019/20 edition, he had his purple patch in the Ranji Trophy season where he scored 928 runs. In the 2022/23 season, Sarfaraz made headlines by amassing an impressive total of 556 runs in just six Ranji Trophy games. This record makes him the obvious choice in the absence of the star batter Virat Kohli. 

1. Middle-Order Stability

India's middle-order has failed in recent times and has been a concern, especially in overseas conditions where there is swing and bounce. His ability to bat in the middle order may solve the issue by providing steadiness and resilience to the team's batting lineup. His coolness under pressure and ability to stitch valuable partnerships could prove vital in tense situations, helping the side through difficult phases of the game.