Sarfaraz last played for India in November 2024.
| Photo Credit: Emmanual Yogini.
Sarfaraz Khan has returned to India’s Test squad after 20 months, with the Mumbai batter replacing the injured B. Sai Sudharsan for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
The Hindu understands that the selection committee, in consultation with the team management, picked Sarfaraz after Sai Sudharsan did not recover in time from a right big-toe stress injury. The BCCI announced Sarfaraz’s inclusion on Sunday. He is expected to link up with the Indian team in Colombo before the side travels to Galle on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old had emerged as a primary contender alongside Shaik Rasheed and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Rasheed, who has been knocking on the selectors’ door after a prolific domestic run, was considered for his ability to bat in the top-order while Ruturaj’s experience and First Class record kept him in the conversation.
Sarfaraz’s selection marks the return of a batter whose Test career had appeared to stall after his promising debut in 2024. He was conspicuously left out of India’s squad after not getting an opportunity during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. All of his six Test appearances came in 2024.
The Mumbai batter has continued to remain a top performer in domestic cricket, keeping himself in the selection frame despite the long hiatus at the international level. The vacancy at No. 3, created by Sai Sudharsan’s absence, may give Sarfaraz a chance to revive his Test career that began with considerable promise.
Published – August 09, 2026 08:44 pm IST
