Former India batter and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar has lashed out at the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee and the current team management for consistently ignoring Sarfaraz Khan, calling the situation “a real shame.” His comments came after Sarfaraz produced a stunning knock in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Wednesday.

Batting for Mumbai against Goa in Jaipur, Sarfaraz smashed a breathtaking 157 off just 75 balls. His explosive innings featured nine fours and 14 sixes, powering Mumbai past the 400-run mark and completely overwhelming the Goa bowling attack.

Speaking to the Times of India, Vengsarkar expressed disbelief over Sarfaraz’s continued omission from the Indian team across formats, despite delivering whenever he has been given opportunities. He recalled Sarfaraz’s impressive performances in the home Test series against England.

Vengsarkar highlighted Sarfaraz’s partnership with Devdutt Padikkal during the Dharamshala Test, calling it a crucial phase that helped India secure victory. He questioned how such performances could be overlooked by the selectors.

The former selector also criticised the decision not to play Sarfaraz during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour of Australia. Despite being part of the squad, Sarfaraz did not get a single opportunity, a decision Vengsarkar found baffling given the batter’s ability to perform in all formats.

Sarfaraz made his Test debut in February 2024 under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy against England at home. Since then, he has scored 371 runs in six Tests at an average of 37.10, striking at an impressive rate of 74.94. His record includes one century, three half-centuries, and a highest score of 150 in just 11 innings.

With consistent domestic dominance and promising international numbers, questions continue to grow over Sarfaraz Khan’s absence from India’s plans.