While the Indian Test team looks unsettled in its batting department, Sarfaraz Khan continues to make a strong case for selection through thunderous form in domestic cricket in the 2025-26 season.
After centuries in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the right-handed Mumbai batsman has slammed a double century as the Ranji Trophy resumed in January.
In his first match back in the white clothing, Sarfaraz blasted a 206-ball double hundred against a potent Hyderabad bowling attack that included Mohammed Siraj. Sarfaraz’s knock was so imperious that even the internationally experienced Siraj was clobbered for 106 runs in the first 25 overs he bowled in Mumbai’s first innings.
Batting at No. 5 in the Mumbai vs Hyderabad Ranji Trophy Group D match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Sarfaraz came in to bat when his side was in a pickle at 82/3.
Then, Sarfaraz formed a massive partnership of 249 runs off 328 balls with Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad as the duo not only dug their side out of an early threat but also went on to propel the team total beyond 300.
Lad was dismissed for 104 runs, but Sarfaraz carried on with his supreme touch, tearing into the Hyderabad bowlers. He spared none of them; by the time Sarfaraz had gotten out, four of the five Hyderabad bowlers’ economy had been pushed over 4 runs per over, with one of them conceding at more than 5 runs per over.
He put on a 154-run stand with Suved Parkar for the sixth wicket.
Sarfaraz walked back to a standing ovation after piling up 227 runs off only 219 deliveries. His jaw-dropping knock included 19 fours and 9 sixes as he peppered the ball to all parts of the ground. Sarafraz’s blazing double century eventually helped Mumbai go past 500.
When was the last time Sarfaraz Khan played a Test match for India?
Sarfaraz Khan’s last Test appearance for India came in November 2024 against New Zealand in Mumbai.
He made his Test debut in February 2024. In six Tests, Sarfaraz has scored 371 runs at an average of 37, hitting three half-centuries and one century.
Despite raising a hundred against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Sarfaraz was dropped from the playing XI for the Australia tour and then from the squad since the England Test tour.
With India losing the home Test series to South Africa as the Indian batsmen succumbed to the likes of Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer, the fans have increased their suggestion of recalling Sarfaraz to the Test side.
Check out tweets of fans after Sarfaraz Khan slammed double century in Ranji Trophy against Hyderabad:
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