The maiden call-up for Sarfaraz Khan who has been a consistent performer for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy was one that many former cricketers were looking forward to seeing. The young batter finally got the call-up for India’s Test series against England and could be in contention to get a starting role considering the unavailability of Virat Kohli for the second Test and the injuries to KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja.
Speaking at the launch event of the Asian Legends League, Season 1, former Indian fast-bowler, Irfan Pathan commented regarding the youngster’s call-up to the Indian team. He said, “First of all congratulations to Sarfaraz Khan because he got the call-up after performing a lot in domestic cricket.”
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He also cited his selection as a victory for those who have been toiling away in the domestic format, hoping to get a look-in for the national side. He added, “This is a small win for those players who are performing in domestic cricket. You need to give importance to domestic cricket. When he got selected I was happy but I was also happy for Saurabh Kumar who has also been performing for years in the domestic circuit.”
However, Irfan Pathan believes that things can get difficult when it comes to getting a spot in the playing eleven and said that decisions regarding team combinations might not be as simple as one thinks. He shared, “When such players get selected that does make me very happy but when it comes to the playing eleven, the answer might not be as simple for the team-manangement.”
Irfan Pathan mentioned the importance of giving the domestic stars some chances on the international stage so that they can improve themselves. He said, “You would want to make some of these players as starters which then would improve them having seen the standard of playing cricket for India. The situation here is regarding the combination for the next match. If there is a spot in the playing eleven, then someone who was called up earlier should get a chance.”
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The former Indian pacer was referring to Rajat Patidar who was picked in the squad ahead of the first Test in place of Virat Kohli who had opted out of the first two games citing ‘personal reasons.’ Pathan said, “Rajat Patidar was called up earlier so he could get a chance.”
Irfan Pathan believes that the issue regarding the team combination becomes even more important coming after a loss as the pressure will be on India to get back in the hunt and not suffer a series defeat. Pathan added,” The importance of the combination becomes even more important since you lost the previous game, you have to win the game and win the series.”
The former pacer also pointed out, “We don’t give much importance to a series victory in India but can’t afford to lose the series as well. I think that the experienced lot of players should be backed.”
However, with the series being a five-match affair, Pathan believes that there is plenty of time to give some chances to the youngsters. “It would be great if the young players can get some breathing space and if they are given that there is the chance that they go on and perform well for India in the future as well.” India will look to get their revenge following their loss as they take on England once again as the second match is set to take place in Visakhapatnam.
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