Overview
- The BCCI named India A squads for two four-day matches against South Africa A in Bengaluru, with Sarfaraz Khan left out again.
- Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed questioned the omission by suggesting his surname was the reason and pointed at head coach Gautam Gambhir.
- BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla called the allegation an attempt to communalise cricket, and former UP minister Mohsin Raza said selections should not be politicised.
- AIMIM leaders Asaduddin Owaisi and Waris Pathan asked why Sarfaraz remains overlooked despite prolific first-class returns and a 371-run start across six Tests, including a 150.
- Chairman Ajit Agarkar previously cited a quadriceps injury and fitness for earlier omissions, and unnamed board sources now link the latest call to fitness and team balance; Rishabh Pant will captain both India A teams.