Galle, 10 August (H.S.): Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan has joined the India squad ahead of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, beginning on August 15. Sarfaraz has been brought into the squad after No. 3 batter Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the series due to injury.

Sarfaraz shared a photograph of himself in the Indian team jersey on Instagram, appearing in good physical shape after working extensively on his fitness over the past few months.

The batter last represented India in a Test against New Zealand in November 2024. He made his Test debut earlier that year during India’s home series against England.

Sarfaraz has played six Tests for India, featuring in 11 innings and scoring 371 runs at an average of 37.10. His Test record includes one century and three half-centuries, with a career-best score of 150.

He was also included in India’s squad for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia but did not get an opportunity to feature in any of the matches.

Strong Domestic Form Earns Sarfaraz Recall

Sarfaraz has earned his return to the Indian Test squad on the back of an impressive run in domestic cricket.

In the Ranji Trophy, he scored 429 runs in nine innings across seven matches at an average of 53.62. His campaign included a double century, a century and a half-century.

He was equally productive in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 329 runs in seven innings at an average of 65.80 and a remarkable strike rate of 203.09. His tally included one century and three half-centuries.

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Sarfaraz accumulated 303 runs in five innings across six matches at an average of 75.75 and a strike rate of 190.56. He registered one century and two half-centuries during the tournament.

His consistent performances also earned him an IPL opportunity with Chennai Super Kings, who acquired him for Rs 75 lakh. Sarfaraz scored 161 runs in seven innings in the IPL at a strike rate of around 170.

He also represented Akash Tigers MWS in the Mumbai T20 League, scoring 161 runs in five innings.

India to Begin Two-Test Series in Galle on August 15

India and Sri Lanka will begin their two-Test series in Galle on August 15, with Shubman Gill leading the Indian side.

India are currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings. The team has recorded four wins and four defeats from nine matches, with a points percentage of 48.15.

India’s squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka: Shubman Gill (captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Aqib Nabi and Sarfaraz Khan.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar