Sarfaraz Khan in, Dhruv Jurel out for IND vs SL Tests: Mohammad Kaif picks his XI
India star Mohammad Kaif has backed Sarfaraz Khan to beat Dhruv Jurel to a place in India’s playing XI for the first Test against Sri
India star Mohammad Kaif has backed Sarfaraz Khan to beat Dhruv Jurel to a place in India’s playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka. The former India batter believes Sarfaraz’s ability against spin makes him the better option for the conditions in Galle. Sarfaraz was brought into the squad as a replacement for injured Sai Sudharsan, giving him another opportunity to return to India’s Test setup. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif said India could still favour Jurel because he has already been part of the team, but Sarfaraz would be his choice for the best XI. Read Full Story “If they follow the trend of backing the players who have already been playing for the team, then they might say, ‘Jurel has been with us already.
He hasn’t scored consistently, but we will back him because he has already been part of the team.’ If that is the approach, then Sarfaraz will have to wait,” Kaif said. “But if you ask me what the best XI is, Sarfaraz’s name comes into my best XI because of his ability to play spin at No. 5 or No. 6. His record against spin is excellent.” Sarfaraz has played six Tests since making his debut in 2024, scoring 371 runs at an average of 37.10. His record includes a century and three fifties, with his standout innings coming against New Zealand in Bengaluru, where he scored 150. SARFARAZ'S SPIN GAME THE KEY Kaif feels Sarfaraz's range of strokes could become particularly useful as a Test progresses and batting conditions become tougher.
“He also has a wide range of shots. When you get to the fourth or fifth day, batting becomes more difficult, and that is where a player like Sarfaraz Khan can be very useful,” he said. “He knows how to use sweeps and reverse sweeps effectively. He can hit over extra cover, he is good off the back foot and he attacks spin.” JUREL'S FORM A CONCERN Kaif also pointed to Jurel's recent form while explaining why he would go with Sarfaraz. The wicketkeeper-batter scored only 18 runs across two innings in India's warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI. “Look, I can understand that India have played well, but Jurel’s recent Test record and form haven’t been that great,” Kaif said.
Jurel has scored 478 runs in 10 Tests at an average of 34.14, including one century and one fifty. His recent numbers, according to Kaif, make the selection call more difficult, particularly with Sarfaraz now back in the squad. India will begin the two-Test series in Galle on August 15, with the No. 6 spot likely to be one of the key selection calls before the first Test. Ends
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