Sarfaraz Khan returns to India Test squad after 20-month absence

Sarfaraz Khan is back in the Test squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka that starts on August 15. The 28-year-old steps in for injured Sai Sudharsan and returns two years after being dropped following the 2024 home series against New Zealand.

He lost 17 kilograms by cutting roti, rice, sugar and bakery items from his diet. He trained through the Mumbai monsoon at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium in Kashmir and piled up 429 runs in seven Ranji Trophy matches at 53.62, including an unbeaten 277.

The selectors had three names on the table. Sarfaraz's first-class average of 64.73 and his record against spin edged him ahead of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shaikh Rasheed.