Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 12: Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has backed Sarfaraz Khan for a place in the playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka, beginning August 15, saying the right-hander could be particularly effective in the spin-friendly conditions in Galle.
Sarfaraz was added to India's squad after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out due to injury. Although Sarfaraz last represented India in 2024, Kaif believes his ability to play spin makes him a strong option for the team.
Kaif said the team management could continue backing Dhruv Jurel, who has been part of the side previously, but argued that if India were to pick its best XI, Sarfaraz should feature at No. 5 or No. 6.
“If they follow the trend of backing the players who have already been playing for the team, then they might say, ‘Jurel has been with us already. He hasn't scored consistently, but we will back him because he has already been part of the team.’ If that is the approach, then Sarfaraz will have to wait. But if you ask me what the best XI is, Sarfaraz's name comes into my best XI because of his ability to play spin at No. 5 or No. 6. His record against spin is excellent,” Kaif said on YouTube.
Kaif highlighted Sarfaraz's attacking approach against spin, saying it could prove valuable in Galle, particularly as the pitch becomes more difficult to bat on during the later stages of a Test.
“He also has a wide range of shots. When you get to the fourth or fifth day, batting becomes more difficult, and that is where a player like Sarfaraz Khan can be very useful. Players like him are very good at playing the field. He knows how to use sweeps and reverse sweeps effectively. He can hit over extra cover, he is good off the back foot and he attacks spin,” he said.
Kaif also suggested that Jurel could make way for Sarfaraz because of his recent form. Jurel has scored 478 runs in 10 Tests but has struggled to produce a substantial innings in recent matches.
“Look, I can understand that India have played well, but Jurel's recent Test record and form haven't been that great. Whether you talk about the innings against Afghanistan or the game against South Africa, he got out there as well. Even before that, he wasn't scoring runs consistently. There were five or six innings where he didn't get a substantial score,” Kaif said.