Before the start of the two-match Test series between India and South Africa, the Indian cricket team played a practice Test match against India A, giving the players a chance to get in touch with their skills. During this warm-up match, Sarfaraz Khan put up a stellar performance and scored an extraordinary century. Sarfaraz’s explosive batting has put him in the limelight and created a buzz around his possible inclusion in the Indian team for the Test series.
After the conclusion of the white-ball leg of India’s tour of South Africa. The two nations will face off in red-ball cricket in a two-match Test series. The series, which will begin on December 26, holds immense importance for the Men in Blue as they aim to win their first Test series on South African soil under the leadership of Rohit Sharma.
Sarfaraz Khan, in a brilliant batting display, scored his 100 off just 61 balls, leaving cricket enthusiasts in need of more of his dynamic game in the upcoming series. The Indian team management and support staff are closely monitoring his performances and can consider him a valuable addition to the team in place of the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Watch: Sarfaraz Khan scored a hundred off just 61 balls
#sarfarazkhan 100 runs in just 60 balls in Africa well done sarfu bhai ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hj9LITvJ6Y
– Tanzeem (@Tanzeem1221868) December 21, 2023
Apart from Sarfaraz, young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill showcased their batting skills with Shubman Gill scoring a blistering century and Yashasvi Jaiswal contributing a crafty half-century. Rohit Sharma has been given the responsibility of leading the team, which shows the team’s confidence in his leadership ability.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also showed active participation in the match as they were present with the players on the field and played with them. Jasprit Bumrah is set for a red-ball comeback and his impressive form has set the tone for the Test series against South Africa.
India’s Test team for the series in South Africa features a mix of experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, along with promising young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. Rohit Sharma, who acts as the team’s skipper, will lead the team, supported by the experienced Virat Kohli. Sarfaraz Khan’s inclusion in the team has sparked discussions, considering his recent form has been exceptional in domestic cricket.
Sarfaraz Khan also showcased his talent against South Africa A where he played a remarkable innings for India A, scoring 68 runs off 85 balls that included seven boundaries and a six. With consistent performances in domestic cricket, with a phenomenal average of 92 in the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy, Sarfaraz has amassed 3657 runs at an average of 71.70 in 41 first-class matches.
Sarfaraz Khan is most likely to replace the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad in the team. He has consistently performed well in first-class cricket and now certainly deserves a place in the Indian team. Ruturaj Gaikwad was initially included in the Test squad but is now ruled out after suffering an injury.
