Chris Gayle Slams Selectors: ‘Sarfaraz Khan Deserves His Test Spot Back!’

Quick Summary

• Chris Gayle backs Sarfaraz Khan’s return to the Indian Test side.
• Says weight should not be an excuse after Sarfaraz shed 17 kg.
• Sarfaraz impressed with twin fifties on debut and a maiden ton vs NZ.
• Gayle: “India has so much talent, but give the man a run.”

Former West Indies superstar Chris Gayle has thrown his weight behind Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan, urging Indian selectors to bring him back into the Test fold. In a strong statement, Gayle dismissed concerns over Sarfaraz’s fitness and weight, insisting that the youngster’s record-breaking domestic numbers and proven Test performances warrant a recall.

Sarfaraz’s journey has been nothing short of dramatic. After years of piling on mountains of runs in domestic cricket, he finally earned his India cap in 2024 against England, making twin fifties on debut. He followed that up with a maiden Test century against New Zealand, underlining his class at the highest level.

Yet, despite this promising start, the 26-year-old found himself sidelined for the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Even after featuring in India A’s tour of England, Sarfaraz was overlooked for the Test series against England. Rumors suggested that his fitness was a sticking point for selectors.

However, reports confirmed that Sarfaraz worked tirelessly on his body, shedding over 17 kg to improve his agility and fielding. Just when he seemed ready to silence critics, a quad injury halted his progress, ruling him out of ongoing cricket commitments.

Speaking on a podcast with journalist Shubhankar Mishra, Chris Gayle didn’t mince words.

“He should be on the Test side. He should be in the Test squad at least, you know. Scored a century against England at home, not in the squad. I saw a post a couple of days ago. He lost weight. The weight wasn’t even… nothing was wrong with his weight or anything. He’s just fine. He was still scoring runs.”

Gayle, who once shared the dressing room with Sarfaraz at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL, said the selectors cannot afford to ignore such a prolific run-scorer.

“The man scored triple centuries in first-class cricket. So, if they’re using that against him, that’s sad. They should never use that against him. That youngster should have been a part of the squad 100%. I mean, India has so much talent, man, but give the man a run.”

Sarfaraz’s first-class numbers speak volumes. In 55 matches, he has already piled up 4685 runs at an average of 65.98, with 16 centuries to his name — figures that place him among the best domestic performers in modern times.

With the Indian Test side in a transition phase following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, voices like Gayle’s add fuel to the debate about India’s next batting mainstay. For now, Sarfaraz’s fans will hope selectors take note and give him the extended run he deserves.

Sarfaraz Khan Career Stats (as of 2025)