Published: Feb 01, 2024, 01:06 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 01, 2024, 01:06 PM (IST)
Sarfaraz Khan received his first Test call-up for the second game of the series against England after dominating the home circuit. Although it’s not guaranteed, Sarfaraz may replace fellow rookie Rajat Patidar in the starting XI, or both may be selected. Even though Sarfaraz averages close to 70 in First Class cricket, former India batsman Deep Dasgupta isn’t quite sure of his ability, claiming he hasn’t scored runs in the important games.
“Credit to him that he has been in good form for the last two to three years. He scored runs recently against England A as well. He was performing consistently but there were two questions.
“The biggest question was in place of whom. We say very easily that this or that player should be there but only 11 can play and the squad can have only 15 or 16. Secondly, there was also this question and I have heard it from a few people that where are the runs in big matches,” Dasgupta said in a video on his YouTube Channel.
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The former wicketkeeper believes that First Class cricket doesn’t produce teams of a calibre that can assist selectors in determining if a player should be on the national squad.
“When people talk about first-class cricket, with all due respect, you have 37 teams. You are also playing against some very average teams. I shouldn’t be saying this, it will be disrespectful to some of the teams, but the quality of runs is also important. I am not saying this against Sarfaraz.”
Dasgupta also commented on the Shubman Gill vs. Sarfaraz Khan analogy, stating that because selectors believe the former has greater promise than the latter, he is more likely to be given opportunities.
“At times, the selectors and team management have to be convinced about you as a player and you as a talent. For example, Shubman Gill vs Sarfaraz Khan, do you think both of them will get the same number of chances?”
“No, they won’t. It is very normal or natural because you see more potential in one. So you give chances based on potential. It becomes very important that the team management, selectors, and captain trust your potential, about what you can do,” he asserted.
