Sarfaraz Khan May Need to Bat at No. 3 to Stay in India’s Selection Radar

To secure  place in Indian cricket, Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan may have to make a crucial shift in his batting position. A recent report suggests that Sarfaraz will need to bat at No. 3 for Mumbai if he wants to remain in the national selectors’ plans. Currently, he bats at No. 5 for his domestic team, but experts believe that position offers limited visibility for national selection.

Despite consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy and domestic cricket, Sarfaraz has not managed to earn a call-up to the national team. He was left out of the England tour squad and was not picked for the India A side either, sparking questions about his role and future prospects. Some insiders speculate that head coach Gautam Gambhir might have a different plan for him in the near future.

According to the report, batting at No. 3 would allow Sarfaraz to control the innings from an early stage something that aligns more closely with the national team’s requirements. However, the spot is currently occupied by Sai Sudharsan, which means Sarfaraz will have to fight for that position if he wants to prove his worth.

Even political voices have weighed in. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi questioned on social media, “Why isn’t Sarfaraz being given a chance?” highlighting the growing debate around the player’s exclusion.

Cricket analysts believe the No. 3 position presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It would expose Sarfaraz to the new ball and demand greater responsibility in building innings from the start. But if he succeeds, it could reopen the door to national selection.

Sarfaraz Khan now faces a defining choice whether to rise up the order for Mumbai and rejuvenate his India ambitions, or remain at No. 5 and risk fading from the selectors’ radar.