Sarfaraz Khan to Miss Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy Opener for National Duty
Prolific Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan will be absent from Mumbai’s opening match of the Ranji Trophy against Baroda, starting October 11, as he is set to be retained in the India squad to play New Zealand in the next series. This decision comes on the heels of his remarkable performance in the Irani Cup, where he scored an impressive 222 not out, leading Mumbai to a historic victory.
According to sources, Sarfaraz will be attending training sessions at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in preparation for the series against the Blackcaps. His exceptional form has solidified his position in the national team, and the selectors have recognized his contributions, particularly following his match-winning innings.
Mumbai, the defending champions, have announced their squad for the first two matches of the Ranji Trophy. They will face Baroda away in the first match and then take on Maharashtra at home on October 18. The timing of these matches coincides with the India-New Zealand first Test, set to begin in Bengaluru on October 16, which further complicates Sarfaraz’s availability for Mumbai.
The squad selected by the Mumbai selectors includes experienced players like Ajinkya Rahane as captain, along with Prithvi Shaw and Shreyas Iyer, among others. With Sarfaraz’s absence, the team will look to other key players to step up in their quest to retain the Ranji Trophy title.
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Despite missing the initial match, Sarfaraz Khan’s consistent performance at the domestic level continues to earn him recognition and opportunities with the national team. His dedication and hard work at the NCA are expected to bolster his readiness for the challenges posed by New Zealand in the upcoming series.
As the Ranji Trophy unfolds, Mumbai will aim to start strong against Baroda, while Sarfaraz will be focused on making a significant impact for India in the Test series ahead.
