In his first class career of 36 matches, Sarfaraz has accumulated an impressive 3,380 runs at an astonishing average of 80.47. He has struck 12 first-class centuries and has been in top form over the past few years. In the ongoing edition of Ranji Trophy, he has already amassed 431 runs at an average of 107.75 with two centuries and one fifty. His scores are 5, 126*, 75, 20, 162, 15*, and 28* so far in this season. In 2021/22 season, Sarfaraz scored 982 runs at an average of 122.75 with four centuries and two fifties.
Indian former opener Aakash Chopra reflected on the squad selected in a video shared on his YouTube channel and said that Sarfaraz might feel a sense of betrayal with his exclusion this time. "Sarfaraz's name is still not there. He feels he got cheated because his name should probably have come. Bumrah is still not there. That's another news but I am more concerned that Sarfaraz is not there," said Aakash.
Sarfaraz's run-scoring spree in the first class cricket has taken his overall batting average sky high as it shoots up to 80.47, which is the second-best ever in this format among the batters with at least 50 innings. He is just behind the great Don Bradman who averages 95.14. Aakash pointed out at this stats saying he should have been picked ahead of Suryakumar Yadav.
"When you picked Surya, it means a slot had opened up. In my opinion, Sarfaraz should have gotten that chance because Sarfaraz's first-class average is 80. Apart from him, only Don Bradman has an average of 80 or more in the number of matches he has played," Aakash said.
"So he has done everything in his powers to be in the Indian team. I am a little disappointed, that if you had a chance to select even one guy, because both Surya and Sarfaraz don't come in the XI, Sarfaraz had the right in my opinion. If someone's domestic season is going so good, you should have rewarded him," Aakash added.
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