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Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has stepped up to commend the outstanding performance of young batting talent Sarfaraz Khan, who scored a determined 150 runs in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand. This commendable innings has received considerable recognition, stirring up further debates about player selection criteria focusing on fitness compared to skill.
Kaif’s Support for Sarfaraz
Kaif highlighted that Sarfaraz’s fitness should not exclude him from being selected for the national squad. Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, the former RCB batter said, “I have always maintained Sarfaraz shouldn’t be kept out because of fitness. He doesn’t have a gym body but can bat for hours. Cricket is a game that accommodates all.”.
Sarfaraz’s century served as a vital lifeline for India during the Bengaluru Test, helping the team recover from a difficult situation. The 26-year-old was included in the playing XI due to Shubman Gill suffering from a stiff neck, and he made a strong comeback after a disappointing duck in the first innings. Sarfaraz top scored across both innings, scoring 150 runs off 195 balls.
Celebrating his achievement, Sarfaraz hit a boundary off Tim Southee and dashed across the field with his arms raised, celebrating his first Test century. In just four Tests since making his debut against England earlier this year, he has already made a notable impact, scoring one century and four half-centuries.
Overcoming Challenges
Sarfaraz’s path to the Indian Test team has not been easy. With an impressive first-class average of 69.09 over 51 matches, he has continually caught the selectors’ attention. His recent innings also placed him among a distinctive group of cricketers who have recorded both a duck and a century in the same Test match—an accomplishment shared with icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
Despite his remarkable performances in domestic cricket, Sarfaraz has faced criticism concerning his fitness. Detractors have often cited this as a reason for his past exclusion. However, Kaif’s comments underline an increasing sentiment among fans and former players that skill and performance should be prioritized above superficial standards.
The discussion surrounding Sarfaraz’s fitness is not new. Many former players, including Sunil Gavaskar, have criticized the emphasis on physical appearance over actual performance metrics. Gavaskar once remarked, “If you are looking for only slim and trim guys, then might as well go to a fashion show.”
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