Published: Jan 02, 2026, 10:05 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 02, 2026, 10:05 AM (IST)
Former India batter Dilip Vengsarkar has strongly criticised the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee for repeatedly overlooking Sarfaraz Khan, despite the Mumbai batter’s consistent performances in domestic cricket.
Sarfaraz once again made a strong statement on Wednesday by smashing 157 off just 75 balls for Mumbai in their Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Goa in Jaipur. The 28-year-old produced a blistering knock that included nine fours and 14 sixes, taking Mumbai past the 400-run mark and leaving the Goa bowlers helpless.
Speaking to the Times of India (TOI), Vengsarkar said he was surprised that Sarfaraz continues to be ignored across formats, especially given the impact he has made whenever he has been given a chance.
“You know, the thing is, it’s really baffing for me that why he’s not pick in any format for India, when he has done well so consistently, even for India also when he got an opportunity. I watched him and (Devdutt) Padikkal batting together against England in Dharamshala. It was a crucial session. They batted beautifully and forged together an important partnership, which ultimately helped India win the Test match,” said Vengsarkar.
The 69-year-old also questioned the team management for not giving Sarfaraz a single opportunity during the 2024/25 tour of Australia, describing the situation as disappointing.
“And after that (home series against England), he didn’t get an opportunity (to play another Test). Of course, he was on the tour of Australia (the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy), but he wasn’t given a chance at all.and that really baffles me, because he’s a good enough player to play in all formats of the game. Such a talent has been ignored and neglected. It’s a real shame!” the former India selector added.
Sarfaraz made his Test debut in 2024 under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy during the home series against England in February. Since then, he has scored 371 runs in six Tests at an average of 37.10 and a strike rate of 74.94. His Test record includes one century and three fifties in 11 innings, with a highest score of 150.
