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Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan has not been named in the domestic squad for the first set of Ranji Trophy 2024-25 matches. According to a report by PTI, the right-handed batter will be at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) ahead of the three-match series against New Zealand, beginning on October 16.
Sarfaraz was released from Team India's squad midway through the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur to partake in the 2024 Irani Cup. The batter scored a double hundred for Mumbai during the contest in Lucknow, helping the Ajinkya Rahane-led side lift the trophy after 27 years.
Sarfaraz Khan is in the mix of things as far as the Indian middle order is concerned after making a strong impression in his maiden series against England earlier this year. KL Rahul was favored over him for the Bangladesh series but Sarafaraz is still considered a reliable backup should rotation come into play, with recent form working in his favor as well.
Mumbai will begin their title defense with a clash against Baroda away from home on October 11 onwards. Their first home encounter is against Maharashtra, slated to kickstart on October 18. On the other hand, the first Test between India and New Zealand will start at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 16.
Mumbai squad for first two rounds of 2024-25 Ranji Trophy
Ajinkya Rahane (c), Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer, Siddhessh Lad, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore (WK), Sidhaant Addhatrao (WK), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Himanshu Singh, Shardul Thakur, Mohit Avasthi, Mohd. Juned Khan, Royston Dias
Sarfaraz Khan is making a strong case to be part of India's playing XI
The right-handed batter has been piling on runs in the domestic circuit for ages but had to wait for an opportunity at the international level. He has hardly put a foot wrong in first-class cricket, which has helped him pip the likes of Shreyas Iyer to be part of the Indian squad.
Sarfaraz, however, must continue to exercise patience, with senior member KL Rahul currently the first-choice batter for the No. 5 position. The latter scored a quickfire fifty in the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur to head into the New Zealand series with his place intact.
