Why Sarfaraz Khan is Not Playing Today in Mumbai vs Karnataka Ranji Trophy Match?

The Ranji Trophy 2025-26 quarterfinal between Mumbai and Karnataka is set to be one of the most high-profile matches in this domestic season. The match is being played at the MCA Ground in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) on Friday.

Ahead of the game, Mumbai faced a huge blow as their star batter Sarfaraz Khan was ruled out of the match. Earlier this week, he was seen with legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar, who addressed the team before the big clash against Karnataka.

Why Sarfaraz Khan is Not Playing Today Match Against Karnataka?

Sarfaraz Khan, one of the best batsmen in India, is not playing the quarterfinal match against Karnataka, which is a do-or-die game for both teams. In the previous match against Delhi, the batter struggled to bat due to a hamstring problem. However, he is ruled out of the quarterfinal match due to fever.

As per a report by The Times of India, Sarfaraz has been hospitalized due to viral fever. The right-hander is a key player in the middle order and Karnataka will look to exploit his absence from this match. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been picked as Sarfaraz Khan replacement for the quarter-final match.

The Mumbai vs Karnataka Ranji Trophy Match is likely to be a high-intensity clash since both are two of the best teams in the tournament and won the trophy multiple times. With Jaiswal to open alongside Akhil Herwadkar, the opening pair looks settled.

Over the years, both Mumbai and Karnataka have produced some of the best cricketers in the world and continue to do so with their immense talent pool. Sarfaraz is also one of them and is likely to make his India comeback soon.

Sarfaraz Khan’s Remarkable Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Season

Mumbai's star batter Sarfaraz Khan started the Ranji Trophy season on a slow note. He registered a string of low scores and failed to convert the starts that he got in a few games. But Mumbai showed full faith in him and he returned the favour by slamming a double ton in the match against Hyderabad.

With this record, he also entered an elite list of batters who have scored a List-A 150, a First-class double century and a T20 hundred. In the match against Hyderabad, he scored 227 runs, helping Mumbai score 560 runs in the first innings. He slammed 19 boundaries and nine sixes. It has been a wonderful season for the Mumbai batter, who has excelled in all formats.