'Small win for players performing in domestic cricket' - Irfan Pathan opens up on Sarfaraz Khan, Saurabh Kumar's India call-up

After scoring a plethora of runs in the Ranji Trophy and recent heroic performances for India A against England A, Sarfaraz Khan received a much-deserved maiden national team call-up ahead of the second Test against England, starting on Friday, February 2 in Visakhapatnam.

He isn't the only player to receive a call-up, as left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar and Washington Sundar have also been added to the squad. India will miss the services of the injured duo of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul for the encounter and that is why they had to make adjustments to their squad.

Former cricketers have expressed their delight after Sarfaraz's inclusion in the squad. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan recently spoke about what the Mumbai batter's call-up would mean to other domestic cricketers in the country.

"When he got selected I was happy, but I was also happy for Saurabh Kumar who has also been performing for years in the domestic circuit." Pathan was quoted as saying by India Today.

"This is a small win for those players who are performing in domestic cricket. You need to give importance to domestic cricket," Pathan added.

It would be great if the young players could get some breathing space: Irfan Pathan

Pathan reckoned that it would be great for young players to get opportunities to represent India. He explained that it would help India in the long run. The 39-year-old also spoke about the added pressure that will be on the Indian team after they lost the first Test against England by 28 runs in Hyderabad.

"It would be great if the young players could get some breathing space and if they are given that, there is the chance that they go on and perform well for India in the future as well," Pathan added.

Virat Kohli had ruled himself out of the first two Tests citing "personal reasons". India will be without their talismanic batter for the second Test, and it will be important for younger players in the side to step up and help the hosts restore parity in the five-match series.