The announcement of India A’s squad for the two multi-day matches against Australia A has raised eyebrows for the absence of Sarfaraz Khan, a name many expected to see. The reason, however, is unfortunate. Sarfaraz is nursing a quadriceps injury he picked up during the Buchi Babu tournament while scoring a century against Haryana. The setback has also ruled him out of the ongoing Duleep Trophy.For Sarfaraz, the timing could not have been worse. The 27-year-old has been away from the senior Indian team since the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and was hoping to make a case for his return. He was not picked for the Indian squad that played in England but was part of the India A tour that preceded the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where he made an impact by scoring a century. In six Tests so far, Sarfaraz has scored 371 runs at an average of 37.1.
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Shreyas Iyer, meanwhile, gets a fresh opportunity to lead after being overlooked for the Asia Cup squad. His appointment as captain of India A reflects the selectors’ faith in his experience and leadership qualities. Iyer’s role will be crucial in guiding a young group that also includes big names like KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj, who are set to join for the second game. The series begins in Lucknow on September 16, with the second match scheduled for September 23. For Sarfaraz, the injury is a setback, but his recent performances suggest he still has plenty to offer once he returns to full fitness.
