The debate over Sarfaraz Khan’s international future has reached a boiling point following Mumbai’s recent fixture in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on December 31, 2025. Sarfaraz played a sensational knock of 157 runs off just 75 balls against Goa, featuring 14 sixes and 9 boundaries.
The innings propelled Mumbai to a massive total of 444/8 and served as a loud reminder of the talent currently sitting on the sidelines of the national team. For Dilip Vengsarkar, the continued omission of the 28-year-old is nothing short of “baffling.”
“Ignored and Neglected” despite Performance
Vengsarkar, who famously gave Virat Kohli his first international break, expressed deep frustration that Sarfaraz was dropped after the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a series in which he didn’t even get a single game despite being in the squad.
“It’s really baffling for me why he’s not picked in any format for India,” Vengsarkar told the Times of India. “I watched him and Padikkal batting together against England in Dharamsala… they batted beautifully and forged an important partnership which ultimately helped India win. To see such a talent ignored and neglected is a real shame.”
Sarfaraz’s Test Stats (6 matches):
- Runs: 371
- Average: 37.10
- Highest Score: 150
- Milestones: 1 Century, 3 Half-centuries
The Fitness Transformation: Shedding 17 Kgs
One of the primary criticisms directed at Sarfaraz in the past was his fitness. Taking the feedback to heart, Sarfaraz underwent a radical transformation in mid-2025.
- The Result: He lost 17 kg in just two months through a strict regime of intermittent fasting and cutting out sugar, rice, and flour.
- The Recognition: His transformation earned praise from former England great Kevin Pietersen, who called it an “outstanding effort” and urged other domestic stars like Prithvi Shaw to follow suit.
Despite this, Sarfaraz was omitted from India’s home Test series against the West Indies (October 2025) and South Africa (November 2024), where the selectors opted for youngsters like Dhruv Jurel and Sai Sudharsan instead.
Selection Controversy: Perception vs. Performance
The Ajit Agarkar-led committee, which recently received a tenure extension until June 2026, has faced scrutiny for Sarfaraz’s “perception problem.” Critics suggest he is being pigeonholed as only a red-ball player, yet his recent white-ball exploits in the Vijay Hazare Trophy prove his versatility.
With India set to face New Zealand in an ODI series starting January 11, 2026, the pressure is mounting on the BCCI to reward the Mumbai “run-machine” for his persistence and improved athleticism.