Overview

• Sarfaraz Khan drew strong public backing from Chris Gayle, who called him his favourite Indian player and said fitness should not count against his selection.
• Sarfaraz was left out of India’s Test squad for the England series and has not been picked for India A’s two four-day games against Australia A in Lucknow from September 16.
• Reports state he injured his quadriceps during the Buchi Babu Trophy after back-to-back centuries, ruling him out of the Duleep Trophy and affecting his India A chances.
• The 27-year-old is reported to have shed nearly 17 kilograms in recent months and owns 4,685 first-class runs at 65.98, alongside 371 Test runs from six matches.
• The BCCI has yet to announce India’s squad for the two-Test home series against West Indies beginning October 2, leaving his immediate return unresolved.