Will Sarfaraz Khan Play Ahead of Dhruv Jurel in SL vs IND 1st Test?

India's all-important tour of Sri Lanka is all set to begin at Galle. However, injuries have been affecting the Men in Blue, leading to some forced changes in the squad. Recently, middle order batter Sarfaraz Khan was roped in the squad as an injury replacement for Sai Sudharsan.

Sarfaraz joined the team soon after the announcement and has already started training with the squad. His inclusion also gives the team management an option to include him in the middle order. As a result, Dhruv Jurel's spot is in danger now.

Will Sarfaraz Khan Play IND vs SL 1st Test Ahead of Dhruv Jurel?

The Indian team management hasn't yet officially announced the batter who will play at No. 6 in the SL vs IND 1st Test. While it is believed that Jurel is the frontrunner, Sarfaraz Khan might also be an option.

Looking at the signs, especially from the SLC XI vs IND warm-up match, Dhruv Jurel is still expected to be the India No 6 for 1st Test. However, he didn't have a great time with the bat in the practice match.

With Sarfaraz having arrived in Sri Lanka on time, he will also be an option to play at No. 6. The talented right-hander was seen batting in the nets for a long time as he shared light moments with Dhruv Jurel and his Mumbai teammate Yashasvi Jaiswal.

The Sarfaraz Khan vs Dhruv Jurel saga for the No. 6 spot won't be easy for the Indian team management to resolve easily. Both are amongst the top batters with excellent first-class numbers.

Jurel is a back-up for Rishabh Pant and is amongst the best wicketkeepers in India. He has done well while batting down the order, which can work in his favor. However, Sarfaraz's ability to counter spin bowling makes him a tempting option for the SL vs IND 1st Test match.

When Did Sarfaraz Khan Play Last International Match?

Sarfaraz Khan last played a Test match in November 2024 at the Wankhede Stadium against New Zealand. He was picked in India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia but didn't get a game there.

He was subsequently dropped from the team later. However, he was always in the selectors' mind given that he is one of the best batsmen in India. His domestic red-ball records are an example of his excellence as he averages more than 64 in first-class cricket.