Ashwin urges India to give Sarfaraz clarity on future role

Ravichandran Ashwin said India must communicate clearly with Sarfaraz Khan about his role in the side, especially if selectors view him as a specialist for sub-continental conditions. Sarfaraz returned to the Test squad last week as a replacement for injured batter Sai Sudharsan ahead of the series in Sri Lanka. He is in contention for a middle-order spot alongside Dhruv Jurel for the first Test in Galle.

Ashwin noted that New Zealand's Ajaz Patel and South Africa's Simon Harmer play defined roles in specific conditions. Sarfaraz has played six Tests, scoring 371 runs at 37.10 with one century. Ashwin argued that clear messaging would allow Sarfaraz to focus on his strengths without uncertainty over selection.