India’s middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan is on the brink of a comeback to the national Test squad for the upcoming home series against the West Indies, with his recovery timeline aligning perfectly with the team’s selection window. The two-match Test series, scheduled to begin on October 2 in Ahmedabad, could mark Sarfaraz’s return to international cricket after a frustrating injury layoff and a string of selection snubs.
Sarfaraz, who sustained a quadriceps injury during the Buchi Babu Tournament last month, has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. According to reports, he is expected to regain full fitness by September 29—just days before the first Test begins. With selectors set to announce the squad on September 24, his inclusion now hinges on medical clearance and strategic decisions from the selection committee.
Sarfaraz Khan – Recovery Timeline and Injury Status
| Event / Phase | Date / Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Injury sustained | August 2025 | During Buchi Babu Tournament in Mumbai |
| Rehabilitation begins | Early September 2025 | At BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) |
| Missed fixtures | Sep 2025 | Duleep Trophy, Australia A unofficial Tests |
| Expected fitness clearance | September 29, 2025 | Ahead of 1st Test vs West Indies |
| Squad announcement | September 24, 2025 | Selection committee to decide inclusion |
Despite missing key domestic fixtures, Sarfaraz’s red-ball credentials remain strong. He boasts a phenomenal first-class average of 65.98 and has consistently delivered for India A and in Ranji Trophy campaigns. His last Test appearance came against New Zealand in November 2024, where he scored a century in Bengaluru and followed it up with gritty knocks in subsequent matches.
However, he was dropped for the Australia and England tours earlier this year, with selectors opting for Karun Nair and Shreyas Iyer. With Iyer now on an indefinite break from Test cricket and Nair struggling for form, Sarfaraz’s return seems increasingly likely.
Sarfaraz Khan – Test Career Overview
| Series / Opponent | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Average | 50s | 100s | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs New Zealand (2024) | 3 | 231 | 57.75 | 1 | 1 | Century in Bengaluru Test |
| vs Bangladesh (2024) | 2 | 90 | 45.00 | 1 | 0 | Match-winning 68 in Dhaka |
| Overall Test Career | 5 | 371 | 37.10 | 3 | 1 | Consistent middle-order role |
Selectors are reportedly weighing Sarfaraz’s inclusion as a direct replacement for Karun Nair, whose recent outings in England yielded just 84 runs in four innings. With the West Indies series being played at home, conditions are expected to favour batters, giving Sarfaraz a platform to re-establish himself.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar is believed to be in favour of rewarding domestic consistency, especially with the BCCI’s renewed focus on red-ball development. Sarfaraz’s ability to anchor innings and rotate strike makes him a valuable asset, particularly in the absence of Iyer and with Cheteshwar Pujara no longer in the mix.
India’s Middle-Order Options – West Indies Test Series
| Player Name | Status / Form | Role / Strengths | Selection Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarfaraz Khan | Recovering, consistent | Compact technique, red-ball record | High |
| Karun Nair | Out of form | Strokeplay, past triple century | Low |
| Shreyas Iyer | On break | Aggressive middle-order anchor | Unavailable |
| Hanuma Vihari | Fit, limited chances | Defensive solidity, overseas record | Moderate |
| Rajat Patidar | Emerging contender | India A performer, aggressive intent | Moderate |
Sarfaraz’s potential return has also sparked excitement among fans and former players. Wasim Jaffer tweeted, “If you average 65 in first-class cricket and score a century in your last Test, you deserve a longer rope. Hope selectors do the right thing.”
Social media has been buzzing with hashtags like #SarfarazComeback, #IndiaTestSquad, and #RedBallRevival, with fans calling for merit-based selection and long-term backing for performers.
Public Sentiment – Sarfaraz Khan’s Test Squad Inclusion
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.2M mentions | 84% supportive | #SarfarazComeback #IndiaTestSquad |
| 980K interactions | 80% optimistic | #RedBallRevival #SarfarazKhan | |
| YouTube | 860K views | 82% analytical | #SarfarazRecovery #TestCricketIndia |
| 740K views | 85% celebratory | #SarfarazReturns #CricketBuzz |
The West Indies series is seen as a preparatory phase ahead of India’s crucial away tours in 2026, including South Africa and England. Selectors are expected to use the series to test bench strength and finalize combinations for the next WTC cycle.
If Sarfaraz is included, he will likely bat at No. 5 or No. 6, depending on team composition. His inclusion could also open doors for a long-term middle-order role, especially with India looking to rebuild after the retirements of Pujara and Rahane.
India vs West Indies – Test Series Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | October 2–6 | Ahmedabad | 9:30 AM |
| 2nd Test | October 10–14 | New Delhi | 9:30 AM |
As the squad announcement looms, all eyes are on Sarfaraz Khan’s fitness report and the selectors’ verdict. His story—marked by domestic dominance, international flashes, and injury setbacks—could take a new turn with a well-deserved recall.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available injury updates, media reports, and verified cricketing records. It does not constitute medical advice or official team confirmation. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
