'They don't want to pick him and the reason could be beyond cricket' - Wasim Jaffer on selectors ignoring Sarfaraz Khan amid NZ vs IND series

Sarfaraz Khan, aged 29, has been left out of India's Test squad for the upcoming series against the Kiwis starting next month. The batter has featured in six Tests for India, accumulating 371 runs at an average of 37.10 across his international career. His most recent Test appearance came in November 2024 when India hosted New Zealand at home, where he played an outstanding 150-run knock in the opening encounter but struggled to get going in the remaining outings.

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has expressed strong views on Sarfaraz Khan's continued absence from national selection. Jaffer believes the repeated overlooking of Khan, despite his consistent domestic performances, points to factors that extend beyond cricketing ability or statistical performance.

"I feel there is definitely something. I feel that they don't want to pick him. Otherwise, the performance is in front of us. He has 18 first-class hundreds in such a small career. I feel they don't want to take him. I don't know the reason, but I think it's beyond performance and cricketing reasons. I just feel that they don't want to pick Sarfaraz Khan, irrespective of how many runs he scores and what his average is. There can be nothing else apart from this," Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.

What is Sarfaraz Khan's domestic record?

Sarfaraz Khan's domestic record underscores his consistency at the first-class level. Across 65 first-class matches, Khan has accumulated 5,314 runs at an average of 64.02, with a highest individual score of 301 not out. In the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season, he has already scored 154 runs, continuing to demonstrate his batting prowess in domestic cricket despite his repeated exclusion from the national side.

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Khan was recalled to the Test squad as an injury replacement for Sai Sudharsan during India's two-match away series against Sri Lanka in August. However, he remained benched throughout that series without getting an opportunity to play. His exclusion from the New Zealand squad marks another instance of his non-selection despite his strong domestic form and previous international experience, leaving questions about the selectors' approach to his candidacy.