For much of the last two years, Sarfaraz Khan’s name has remained caught between his performances and questions over his place in India’s Test team.
Mohammad Kaif believes that uncertainty should now be put behind him.
Sarfaraz was recalled to India’s Test squad for the Sri Lanka series as a replacement for the injured Sai Sudharsan, bringing an end to his extended absence from the national side. The 28-year-old last played a Test against New Zealand in November 2024, when he followed his maiden Test century in Bengaluru with a 150 in the second innings of the Pune Test.
“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 ahead of the first Test in Galle, which begins on August 15.
Sarfaraz was subsequently included in India’s squad for the 2024-25 tour of Australia but did not feature in a Test. He was later selected for the India A tour of England in 2025, where he scored 92 in a first-class match against the England Lions, but was not included in the senior team for the five-Test series.
His continued exclusion also led to speculation about the reasons behind his absence. In January 2025, reports emerged suggesting that Sarfaraz’s name had come up during a BCCI review meeting in connection with alleged leaks of dressing-room conversations from the Australia tour. However, the claim remained an allegation.
Kaif believes the attention should now return entirely to cricket.
“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.”
Sarfaraz’s case has also been strengthened by his consistent domestic performances. He scored 429 runs during the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, while his overall first-class record remains impressive, with 5,114 runs at an average of 64.73, including 17 centuries.
He also made significant progress in terms of fitness, reportedly losing around 17kg in 2025. During the 2026 IPL, Sarfaraz made an impact for Chennai Super Kings, scoring 161 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 169.47, including a 25-ball half-century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
RUMOURS AND QUESTIONS
According to Kaif, Sarfaraz’s statistics make the prolonged uncertainty surrounding his selection difficult to attribute solely to his cricketing performances.
“He (Sarfaraz Khan) 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.
“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.”
Sarfaraz has played six Tests so far, scoring 371 runs at an average of 37.10, including one century and three half-centuries.
His latest recall gives him another chance to strengthen that record, particularly if he gets an opportunity on the spin-friendly pitches expected in Sri Lanka.
