Sarfaraz Khan likely to be released from Test squad for Irani Cup

After India defeated Bangladesh comprehensively by 280 runs in the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai last week, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made no changes to the squad for the second game. This gives young Sarfaraz Khan a chance to be in the squad once again. However, his stay with the contingent could be shortened.

The second Test between India and Bangladesh gets underway on Friday, September 27, at Green Park, Kanpur. According to a TOI report, Sarfaraz, who wasn’t a part of the playing XI in the first Test, could be released from the squad to be available for Mumbai in their Irani Cup encounter against the Rest of India. The domestic fixture is set to begin on Tuesday, October 1, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (BRSABV) Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

“India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar is keen that, baring any last-minute injuries in the nets or fitness issues to any of the main batsmen in Team India, Sarfaraz should be released from the main squad to allow him to play in the Irani Cup. In any case, it takes just about an hour to reach Lucknow from Kanpur, so Sarfaraz can leave for Lucknow even much after the Kanpur Test has begun,” a source was quoted as saying by TOI.

Sarfaraz made his India debut in the five-match Test series against England earlier this year. The 26-year-old had an impressive outing as he scored three half-centuries in five innings and averaged 50. His addition will bolster Mumbai’s batting which comprises players like Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, and Musheer Khan among others.

Tushar Deshpande to miss Irani Cup with injury

Meanwhile, Mumbai speedster Tushar Deshpande will not be available for selection to play in the Irani Cup as he is recovering after undergoing surgery following injuries to his ankle and knee. Shardul Thakur, however, is expected to play in the one-off fixture.

“Deshpande is unlikely to be available for the next couple of months. He will miss the initial rounds of the Ranji Trophy too. The earliest he may return is for the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy in November,” a source said.