IND vs SL Tests | 'I’m confident that he will do well...': Rajesh Pawar on Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan and Rajesh Pawar

Mumbai chief selector Rajesh Pawar is confident that batter Sarfaraz Khan will make the most of his opportunity after the Ajit Agarkar-led national selection committee picked him to replace the injured Sai Sudharsan for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, beginning at Galle on August 15.

Sarfaraz, 28, has represented the country in six Tests, scoring 371 runs so far, including one century and three half-tons. He played his last Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in 2024.

"Sarfaraz is scoring runs every year. He has been a consistent performer across all these years, so he deserves a place in the Test team. He is mentally tough, has matured, and is a smart cricketer. It's a good opportunity for him and I'm confident that he will do well in SL," Pawar told mid-day.

Sarfaraz has scored 429 runs in seven Ranji games last season with his impressive knock of 227 helping Mumbai beat Hyderabad by nine wickets.

"Sarfaraz has a very positive approach towards the game. I have never seen him missing a single practice session. He's a solid hard-working player, always hungry to score runs and very particular about his preparations and practice," Pawar added.