Dhruv Jurel’s Spot For 1st Test Vs Sri Lanka Under Scanner? ‘Sarfaraz Khan’s Name Comes…’

Mohammed Kaif backs Sarfaraz Khan over Dhruv Jurel for India’s Test XI against Sri Lanka, citing Sarfaraz’s strong spin-playing ability.

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Jurel’s spot for 1st Test vs Sri Lanka under scanner.

Mohammed Kaif suggests Sarfaraz Khan for spin.

Sarfaraz effective on Sri Lanka’s turning pitches.

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Dhruv Jurel is expected to start against Sri Lanka (Picture credit: PTI)

Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif has said that although Dhruv Jurel might find a spot in the playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka to maintain consistency in the team, Sarfaraz Khan will be better suited to play spin in that middle order and can replace Jurel.

Sarfaraz has waited almost a year and a half for another chance and could be effective on Sri Lanka’s turning pitches. He has already demonstrated his ability against spin, with his hundred against New Zealand emerging as one of the few bright spots during India’s struggles in the series.

While India’s batters found it tough to counter New Zealand’s spinners throughout the Tests, Sarfaraz appeared at ease against the turning ball. With Sri Lanka likely to offer similar conditions, his proficiency against spin could work in his favour and boost his opportunities of earning a spot in the XI.

“If they follow the trend of backing the players who have already been playing for the team, then they might say, ‘Jurel has been with us already. He has not scored consistently, but we will back him because he has already been part of the team,” Kaif said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

“If that’s the approach, then Sarfaraz will have to wait. But if you ask me what the best XI is, Sarfaraz’s name comes into my best XI because of his ability to play spin at No. 5 or No. 6,” Kaif said.

“His record against spin is excellent. He also has a wide range of shots. When you get to the fourth or fifth day, batting becomes more difficult and that’s where a player like Sarfaraz Khan can be very useful,” Kaif added.

Sai Sudharsan’s injury has opened the door for Sarfaraz, who has been waiting almost two years for another chance. He has been added to India’s team for the two-match away Test series against Sri Lanka, which starts on Saturday, August 15.

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Original source: https://www.news18.com/cricket/