Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary batsman, has repeatedly chastised the national selectors for ignoring Sarfaraz Khan. The 1983 World Cup winner expressed his disappointment after the youngster was not named to India’s squad for the upcoming four-match home Test series against Australia, which begins on February 9.
Gavaskar has angrily taken a dig at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors’ selection policies, telling them to pick models from a fashion show if they want someone slim.
“At the end of the day, if you are unfit, you are not going to score hundreds. So cricket fitness is crucial. I don’t mind if you want to do the Yo-Yo test or whatever, but the Yo-Yo test cannot be the only criterion. You must also ensure that the man is physically fit for cricket. And if the person, whoever they are, is fit for cricket, I don’t think it should matter “Sunil Gavaskar said.
“He is not staying off the field when he is scoring hundreds, he is back on the field again. All of this indicates that the man is ready for cricket. If you’re looking for only slim and trim men, you might as well go to a fashion show and select some models, then hand them a bat and ball and include them,” Gavaskar added.
“There are cricketers of all shapes and sizes. Go by the runs and wickets rather than the size “He went on to say.
Sarfaraz Khan was one of the members of India’s U19 World Cup squad in 2016. While his batchmates Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan have already made a name for themselves as international cricketers, Khan’s fortunes have not been as favourable.
Despite his efforts in the domestic arena, the Mumbaikar has yet to be considered by the selectors for selection to the national team. In the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2022/23 match, the 25-year-old scored 125 against Delhi, his 13th FC tonne.
