Saba Karim, former Indian wicketkeeper and seasoned cricket analyst, has openly criticized Gautam Gambhir and the Indian team management for overlooking Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Despite both players being part of the squad, neither was given a chance to showcase their skills, leaving Karim and many cricket enthusiasts questioning the selection policies.
Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran are standout performers in domestic cricket. Sarfaraz, who has already debuted for India, boasts an impressive first-class record, scoring 4593 runs in 54 matches at an average of 65.61, including 16 centuries. Easwaran, still awaiting his international debut, has amassed 7674 runs in 101 matches at an average of 48.87, with 27 centuries.
Their consistent performances have made them deserving candidates for Test cricket, yet the Indian management seemed to favour others, raising eyebrows among fans and experts alike. In a conversation with Sportstar, Karim expressed his disappointment with how the duo was sidelined. He stressed the importance of rewarding domestic cricketers, especially those who have excelled at the India A level.
ALSO READ: Andy Flower Addresses Virat Kohli Captaincy Rumours Ahead Of IPL 2024
“It is very disheartening because one is ready to face numerous challenges, but this is beyond their control,” Saba Karim said. “We’re talking about players who have consistently delivered for India A and domestic cricket. They’ve proven themselves multiple times and deserved an opportunity.”
Karim also questioned the logic behind their selection if they were not considered for playing opportunities. He argued, “If you weren’t convinced about their technical capabilities, why were they included in the squad? It’s unfair to make such judgments without giving them a proper chance in those conditions.”
The selectors opted for KL Rahul to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, citing his prior experience in Australia. Similarly, Nitish Kumar Reddy was preferred over Sarfaraz Khan. While Reddy impressed with some crucial performances, Karim believes the decision was unjust to players like Easwaran and Sarfaraz. He pointed out Sarfaraz’s resilient century against New Zealand in Bengaluru under pressure and argued that he deserved more backing.
ALSO READ: Steve Smith Dismisses External Opinions Ahead Of Sri Lanka Test Series
Saba Karim labeled the treatment of Easwaran and Sarfaraz as “harsh” and emphasized the need to evaluate players fairly. “Sarfaraz has played on tough pitches where many others failed. Yet, his potential is overlooked. Easwaran, with his stellar domestic record, also deserved a chance,” he remarked.
This debate highlights the ongoing concerns about India’s selection policies, where proven domestic performers often find themselves on the fringes despite consistent results.
