Sarfaraz Khan Breaks Silence on India Test Snub, Credits Father as Sole Motivation

Sarfaraz Khan has spoken openly about the limited backing he has felt throughout his India Test career, identifying his father as his only source of support and motivation. The Mumbai batter shared these thoughts while representing Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, including a half-century against Railways at Brabourne Stadium.

Sarfaraz debuted in Tests against England on February 15, 2024, and scored his maiden Test century during India’s home series against New Zealand in October 2024, a series India lost 0-3. His latest Test appearance came in November 2024, also versus New Zealand. Afterward, he remained unused during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, was omitted from the squad for the New Zealand tour, and was not picked for the 2025 England Test series, with weight management cited as a reason for his exclusion. He had reportedly cut his weight from 97 kg to 77 kg to work his way back into contention.

He was added to the Test squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka beginning August 15, 2026, replacing Sai Sudharsan, who sustained a toe stress fracture. Sarfaraz mentioned being summoned to the National Cricket Academy without receiving a chance, after which he returned to domestic cricket with Mumbai.

“I was batting in the NCA. They called me there and I didn’t get an opportunity. I came back and played cricket in Mumbai. I am just playing. They (selector) will call me wherever I get a chance. I will go and play. If they don’t call me, I will play here,” Sarfaraz told the Indian Express during Mumbai’s Round 3 Ranji Trophy game.

What has Sarfaraz Khan said about his motivation to keep going?

Despite repeated setbacks, Sarfaraz has kept training and playing domestic cricket. He described waking up at 5 a.m. daily for practice and admitted to questioning why he should continue pushing through the same cycle, but said his father’s dedication drives him forward.

“Har subah utatha hoon, (I wake up every morning) and ask myself the same question. Why should I work harder and undergo the same thing again and again. I have played for India. I wake up at 5am in the morning and go to practice. Chahoon to Mumbai ke liye khel sakta hoon and I am still playing. Sometimes I get that question in my mind. But when I see that my father is working hard for me, mein unko liye ab score karna chahta hoon. This is the only factor which is motivating me,” Sarfaraz added.

He also addressed the wider issue of career support, citing his long domestic record of scores in the 300s, 200s, and 250s as proof of his consistency.

“Everyone knows that I don’t have support in my life. If I have support, it is only from my father. No one has supported me in my life. But it’s okay. I have worked hard. I fulfilled my father’s dream. It’s not easy to play in India in this generation. And I didn’t score once or twice and played in India. I scored 300’s, 200’s, 250’s.If someone supports me, it’s my father. I will keep working hard as much as I can,” Sarfaraz expressed.

What does Sarfaraz Khan say about his performances outside India?

Sarfaraz pushed back against suggestions that his game suits only home conditions, pointing to performances on tours of South Africa and England where he scored 100 runs in 60 balls against the Indian team on each occasion. He argued that a batter who has produced runs in tough overseas conditions should not suddenly be expected to struggle on difficult rank turners at home.

“When I went to the Indian team, I heard that I will be given more chances in Indian conditions but still I have a question. When I went to Africa, I scored 100 runs against the Indian team in 60 balls. When I went to England, I scored 100 runs in 60 balls. So I think when you come back (in India), you will get such a big rank turner in India. You struggle so much and suddenly you won’t be able to work with such a difficult wicket. It’s not that I didn’t score outside. I scored outside too. That’s their look out, that’s their point of view. But my job is to play cricket, and I will continue playing,” Sarfaraz added.

Sarfaraz maintains that he has met his domestic obligations and is waiting for selectors to decide. He has made clear that he will keep playing for Mumbai whether or not a national recall comes.

His February 2024 Test debut and maiden international century against New Zealand in October 2024 stand out as the highlights of a short but significant India career, with the August 2026 Sri Lanka series marking his latest return to the national setup.

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