Mumbai: India batter Sarfaraz Khan returned to domestic cricket action for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy against Railways on Monday, November 2, following his omission from the India A squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. However, despite continuing to score runs at the domestic level, the Mumbai batter admitted that repeated disappointments over national selection have begun to test his motivation.
Sarfaraz made a valuable 55 off 100 deliveries, including seven boundaries, during Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy Elite Group D encounter against Railways at the Brabourne Stadium. He shared a crucial 98-run partnership with skipper Siddhesh Lad, helping Mumbai recover after losing early wickets.
Mumbai, however, suffered a late collapse as Railways struck back with three wickets in quick succession to restrict the hosts to 247 for six at the close of the opening day’s play.
Sarfaraz disappointed over India A omission
The 29-year-old acknowledged that he had hoped to be included in the India A squad for the New Zealand tour, particularly given his consistent performances in domestic cricket.
While accepting that selection decisions rest with the selectors, Sarfaraz maintained that his responsibility is to continue playing and scoring runs.
He also revealed that he had heard during his recent association with the Indian team that the selectors primarily viewed him as an option for home conditions.
Sarfaraz, however, questioned that perception, pointing towards his performances in overseas conditions while representing India A.
The Mumbai batter has scored 300 runs in seven first-class appearances for India A outside India, averaging 50, with three half-centuries to his name. His performances came during tours of South Africa, Bangladesh and England.
He believes those performances should also be considered when assessing his ability to contribute in international cricket beyond home conditions.
Father remains his biggest motivation
While discussing the challenges of repeatedly returning to domestic cricket without securing a regular place in the Indian team, Sarfaraz admitted that the process of starting afresh every season is becoming increasingly difficult.
He spoke about his demanding training schedule, revealing that he continues to report for practice early in the morning and maintains the same work ethic that helped him establish himself in domestic cricket.
The batter also credited his father, Naushad Khan, for being his biggest source of encouragement during difficult periods.
Sarfaraz said watching his father’s continued efforts motivates him to return to the field and keep scoring runs, even when disappointment over selection decisions creeps in.
Fitness transformation and continued domestic commitment
Sarfaraz has also made considerable efforts to improve his fitness. The Mumbai batter revealed that he reduced his weight from 97 kg to 77 kg, a transformation he undertook after reflecting on criticism and feedback about his physical condition.
Despite the changes and his consistent performances, an extended absence from the Indian Test setup has remained a source of disappointment.
Sarfaraz last represented India in a Test match against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in 2024. He was subsequently included in India’s squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka in August 2026 as a replacement for the injured Sai Sudharsan but did not get an opportunity to play.
He was also overlooked for the India A tour of New Zealand, which has further raised questions about his immediate prospects of returning to the national side.
For now, Sarfaraz remains determined to make the most of every opportunity in domestic cricket, insisting that he is ready to represent Mumbai, India A or the senior Indian team whenever called upon.
His latest Ranji Trophy half-century against Railways once again underlined his determination to keep performing, even as he waits for another opportunity to wear the Indian jersey.
Brief Score: Mumbai 247/6 against Railways at stumps on Day 1. Angkrish Raghuvanshi scored 78, Sarfaraz Khan made 55, while Himanshu Sangwan picked up three wickets for Railways.
