Sarfaraz Khan’s prolonged absence from the Indian Test squad has sparked widespread debate in the cricketing community. The Mumbai batter, who last played a Test in November 2024, has been overlooked for several series, prompting many former players to question the selectors’ decisions. Despite a promising start to his Test career — 371 runs in six matches at an average of 37.10, including three fifties and one century — Sarfaraz has not found a place in the side for nearly a year.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra weighed in on the controversy, saying Sarfaraz appears to be battling perceptions rather than performance. Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube channel, Chopra suggested that the selectors may doubt Sarfaraz’s ability to succeed in challenging overseas conditions, but argued that such judgments are unfair without giving him enough chances.
“I think there is a clarity issue in the case of Sarfaraz. It’s a matter of perception and understanding,” Chopra said. “Maybe they feel he won’t do well in swinging conditions or against fast bowling, or that he isn’t the right fit for SENA countries. But even to form that perception, you must allow him to fail. He isn’t even being allowed to fail — and now there is no place in the team either.”
Chopra on Jaiswal’s Absence From T20Is
Chopra also addressed another selection debate: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s limited appearances in India’s T20I side. With Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill currently preferred as India’s first-choice openers, Jaiswal has struggled to secure a consistent spot in the XI, something Chopra believes is unfair.
Jaiswal has been impressive in his young T20I career, scoring 723 runs in 23 matches at an average of 36.15 and a strike rate of 164.31, including one century and five fifties.
“Jaiswal is a premier player for India. He will be part of the ODI and T20I teams in the future too,” Chopra said. “You can cover the sunlight with clouds for a while, but you cannot hide it. At this moment, it is unfair to Jaiswal. I believe he will be in the T20 World Cup squad. I don’t think the team playing right now is the final team.”
Chopra Backs Jaiswal for Rajasthan Royals Captaincy
Chopra also backed the idea of giving Jaiswal the captaincy of the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, emphasising that franchise cricket requires a player-centric approach.
“You cannot ask for captaincy in a state team — it isn’t player-centric. But in a franchise, it is often about supply and demand,” Chopra explained. “There aren’t many players like Jaiswal. If making him captain helps maximise his potential and improves the team, then I would say go ahead and do it. As long as it is clear that the team benefits, give him the captaincy even if he demands it.”