Sarfaraz Khan's long exile from the Indian Test team is finally over. The Mumbai batter was recently added to the 15-member squad for the two Sri Lanka Tests after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out due to a toe injury. Ever since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss to Australia in 2024-25, Sarfaraz has been out of the squad, with many believing his ouster was not just related to cricket. There were a lot of rumours doing the rounds, but no one in official authority either confirmed or denied.
However, former India batter Mohammad Kaif believes that all Sarfaraz should forget what happened in the past and look to give it his all if he makes it to the playing XI for the opening Test in Galle, beginning August 15.
Speaking of Sarfaraz, he last played for India in November 2024 against New Zealand. The same series saw him smashing 150 runs in the second innings of the opening Test in Bengaluru. However, a run of poor scores in the next two Tests led him to warming the bench Down Under, and he was then shown the door from the Test squad.
"I feel that whoever convinced the decision-makers, whether it was the BCCI, the selectors, the coaches or the captain, whoever said that Sarfaraz Khan should be brought back for Sri Lanka because the pitches could be spin-friendly, and he plays spin well and could contribute to India winning there, whoever spoke along those lines, I salute that person," Kaif said on his YouTube show.
{{/usCountry}}"I feel that whoever convinced the decision-makers, whether it was the BCCI, the selectors, the coaches or the captain, whoever said that Sarfaraz Khan should be brought back for Sri Lanka because the pitches could be spin-friendly, and he plays spin well and could contribute to India winning there, whoever spoke along those lines, I salute that person," Kaif said on his YouTube show.
{{/usCountry}}"Forget whatever happened in the past. Indian cricket should not suffer because of it. Take decisions that ensure the Indian team keeps winning, keeps progressing and keeps moving forward in a dominant manner. So, whoever has taken this decision, my first reaction is to wish them the very best because someone must have brought up his name."
The role of rumours
Sarfaraz was then picked for India A's tour of England in 2025 and also scored 92 in the first match against the England Lions. However, his repeated exile from the main Test squad led to intense speculation about his future. Several reports also stated that the Mumbai batter was also named during a BCCI review meeting when one debated the alleged dressing room leaks during the Australia tour.
“He didn't get consistent opportunities in the team and was even dropped without any explanation. All these things led to rumours and raised several questions: Why isn't Sarfaraz Khan's name coming up? Tell us the reason. Why isn't he playing? No reason was given. His name wasn't even coming up for India A. All these things happened in between,” said Kaif.
“There must have been some reason why he wasn't played earlier. Obviously, it wasn't because he wasn't scoring runs or because his bat wasn't working. He scored runs against New Zealand, including that 150-run innings, and was playing well and was in form. He also scored against England in the debut Test match, so his start was quite good,” he added.