Rahul vs Sarfaraz: Team management to prefer experience over flamboyance

NEW DELHI: Sarfaraz Khan‘s impressive performances in the home series against England showcased his fearless approach, but KL Rahul‘s experience gives him an edge for the final spot in India’s playing XI for the season-opening Test series against Bangladesh starting September 19 in Chennai.
The focus of the team management and the selection committee is steadfastly on the upcoming tour of Australia later this year, and Rahul’s experience in 50 Tests puts him in a favorable position.
The team management faces a choice between Sarfaraz Khan’s flamboyance and the seasoned expertise of KL Rahul, who has been part of the national setup for a decade and has even served as Test captain. A BCCI source clarified that Rahul’s recent performance and fitness are key factors.
“For people on the outside, they don’t understand how a team works and what are the systems in place. In his last three Test matches, KL scored a century in South Africa, one of the best Test knocks in recent times and 86 at Hyderabad in the last Test he played before injury.
He was not dropped but got injured. So, he is fit and available, scored a fifty in Duleep, got match time and he will start,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
Sarfaraz Khan had a stellar domestic season and made a strong debut with twin half-centuries against England at Rajkot and another fifty at Dharamsala. His performance showcased his precise footwork and ability to handle both fast and slow bowlers.
“Sarfaraz has done everything right and mind it, if there is an injury anywhere, he will just walk in but Rahul’s experience is irreplaceable. And the team management is not just looking at Bangladesh, they are looking at Australia where previous experience matters,” the source added.
Despite missing two previous Test tours of Australia due to injuries, Rahul scored a century in Sydney in 2014. While his career average of less than 35 after 50 Tests is not impressive, his knack for scoring at significant overseas venues like Sydney, Lord’s, Oval, and Centurion, combined with his extensive range of strokes, keeps him ahead in the pecking order.
The same principle of continuity applies to the wicketkeeper position, where Rishabh Pant‘s exceptional Test credentials make him the preferred choice over the talented Dhruv Jurel, who performed admirably in the England series.
Jurel is a fine talent and did well in the England series but Pant is an exceptional Test player. Jurel will have to wait for his chance.
One position with notable competition is the third spinner’s spot, where Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are contenders. Axar showcased his skills with both the bat and ball in the recent Duleep Trophy, taking three wickets and scoring 86 runs on a challenging green top at Anantapur. Kuldeep, on the other hand, struggled to make an impact in the same tournament.
However, Kuldeep’s previous success against Bangladesh in the 2022 away series and his array of variations might give him an edge on favorable batting tracks.
Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel have proven their potential, but for now, the emphasis seems to be on experience and previously demonstrated success, as India looks to balance immediate responsibilities with strategic preparations for the Australia tour.