After India’s dominant 280-run victory against Bangladesh in the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the BCCI has opted to keep the squad unchanged for the second Test. This provides Sarfaraz Khan with another opportunity to remain with the Indian team, though his time with the squad could be short-lived.
The second Test is set to begin on Friday, September 27, at Green Park, Kanpur. Reports suggest that Sarfaraz, who didn’t feature in the playing XI for the first Test, may be released from the Indian squad to join Mumbai for their Irani Cup match against the Rest of India. This domestic fixture kicks off on October 1 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (BRSABV) Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
According to a source quoted by TOI, India’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar is inclined to release Sarfaraz if none of the frontline Indian batsmen face any last-minute fitness issues. With Kanpur and Lucknow being just an hour apart, Sarfaraz could easily join the Mumbai team in time for the Irani Cup, even after the second Test begins.
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Sarfaraz, who made his Test debut earlier this year during India’s series against England, showcased his talent by hitting three half-centuries in five innings, averaging an impressive 50. His inclusion in the Mumbai squad would further strengthen an already strong lineup, featuring stars like Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, and Musheer Khan.
There is a likelihood that Sarfaraz Khan will be released from Indian team to play for Mumbai
By @pdevendra https://t.co/KYB27c3U1v
— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) September 23, 2024
Meanwhile, Mumbai’s pace spearhead Tushar Deshpande will be unavailable for the Irani Cup due to ongoing recovery from ankle and knee surgeries. Deshpande’s absence will extend to the early rounds of the Ranji Trophy, though he is expected to make a return for the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy in November.
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On a positive note, all-rounder Shardul Thakur is expected to feature in the Irani Cup for Mumbai, adding depth and experience to the squad. With Sarfaraz Khan potentially returning to the domestic stage, Mumbai will be looking to capitalize on their formidable lineup in the Irani Cup clash.
