IND vs ENG 2024: Sarfaraz Khan would be an interesting batter to challenge England, says Sanjay Manjrekar

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes Sarfaraz Khan would be an interesting batter to challenge England in the third Test match at Rajkot. Khan finally made his Test debut against England as he received his cap from legendary Anil Kumble.

Khan has amassed 3912 runs at an average of 69.85 in 45 first-class games and recently scored a fine knock of 161 runs off just 160 balls against England Lions in the second unofficial Test for India A. Thus, he has consistently delivered for Mumbai in the domestic circuit.

Khan finally made his debut after KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer were ruled out of the third Test match. Meanwhile, the right-hander can also play the sweep shot to unsettle the England spinners.

“Yes, an inexperienced batting lineup, but I think the quality that’s needed in this particular series are just Indian batters who play spin well. There’s where you think Sarfaraz Khan suddenly makes his case very strong,” Manjrekar said on ESPNcricinfo.

“I would want Rajat Patidar as the incumbent to take that place at No. 4 and then have Sarfaraz Khan coming at No. 5 only on the basis that he was in the queue before.”

Manjrekar feels Khan is a better player of spin than Devdutt Padikkal, who was added to the squad after KL Rahul was ruled out.

“The form that he’s had over the long term should count for something and have more weightage than Devdutt Padikkal, who had a great run of late. Enough indication that Sarfaraz Khan would be an interesting batter for India to have to challenge the English spinners. The better player of spin plays.

Along with Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel is also making his Test debut for India. Jurel replaced KS Bharat, who hasn’t been able to deliver with the bat, in the playing XI.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma decided to bat first after winning the toss at Rajkot but the hosts are in a spot of bother at 63-3.