The selection of India’s Test squad for the West Indies tour, led by interim chairman SS Das, has sparked disappointment and raised eyebrows due to the exclusion of Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran. Sarfaraz Khan, who has been the standout performer in the Ranji Trophy for the past three seasons, is yet to receive his first national team call-up, despite his remarkable run-scoring feats.
Easwaran, although having traveled with the Test side previously, has struggled to secure a permanent spot despite his consistent performances for Bengal and India A.
The snub of these proven domestic performers has generated dissatisfaction among fans and experts, who question the selection committee’s criteria and decision-making process.
A former national selector explained that Sarfaraz Khan’s discomfort against pace and bounce and Easwaran’s poor performances in crucial matches influenced their exclusion from the Test squad.
“Hence Sarfaraz Khan getting completely exposed against quick bowlers in IPL or Abhimanyu Easwaran not scoring for Bengal in seven consecutive Ranji knock-out games (three quarter-finals, two semi-finals and two finals) also is taken into account. It is not just about how many runs you score but also how you score them that matters,” a former selector said (Hindustan Times)
