As Team India navigates through an ongoing three-match T20 series against Bangladesh, they are gearing up for an upcoming challenge against New Zealand. This series, which consists of three Test matches, is scheduled to kick off on October 16. Although the Indian squad for the Test series has yet to be announced, rumors suggest that Sarfaraz Khan is a strong contender for selection. Conversely, it appears that batsman Shreyas Iyer may likely be omitted from the team, especially after the Mumbai Cricket Association announced their squad for the first two Ranji Trophy matches.
Shreyas Iyer Faces Uncertain Future
The Mumbai cricket team, fresh off their Irani Cup victory, has confirmed skipper Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership for the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches. Included in the Mumbai lineup is Shreyas Iyer, a move that many interpret as an indication that he will not be rejoining the Indian Test team for the time being. Mumbai’s first Ranji match is slated for October 11 against Baroda, followed by a game against Maharashtra starting October 18.
This year has been challenging for Iyer, who saw himself dropped from the Indian Test side during the home series against England earlier in the year. Since then, he has struggled to find form; his domestic stats in the Duleep Trophy were underwhelming, totaling only 154 runs, with multiple low scores including two ducks and just two half-centuries to his name. His struggles continued in the Irani Cup, further diminishing his chances of making a return to the national team.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Bright Prospects
In contrast, Sarfaraz Khan appears to be on the rise. He was notably excluded from the Mumbai squad for the first two Ranji Trophy matches, something that many see as a strong indicator of his anticipated inclusion in the Indian squad for the New Zealand series. Sarfaraz recently delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 222 runs in an Irani Cup match, becoming the first Mumbai player to achieve a double century in this prestigious tournament.
Moreover, Sarfaraz’s recent contributions to the Indian team in the Test series against Bangladesh make his potential selection even more exciting. His impressive form could provide Team India with a much-needed boost as they prepare to face New Zealand in what promises to be a challenging series.
As the cricketing landscape evolves, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a watchful eye on how these selections play out and how players like Iyer and Sarfaraz navigate the competitive environment of Indian cricket.
