Sarfaraz Khan Lets His Bat Do the Talking in Buchi Babu Trophy
If you’re looking for a batter eager to prove a point, Sarfaraz Khan just made his intentions crystal clear. After being overlooked for India’s Test series against England, the Mumbai right-hander didn’t sulk—he just went out and pummelled 138 runs off 114 balls for Mumbai against TNCA XI in the 2025 Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament.
This wasn’t just any century. Mumbai were wobbling at 98 for 3, nerves setting in after another wicket fell cheaply. Sarfaraz arrived, didn’t waste time, and changed everything. He cracked 10 fours and 6 sixes, tearing into the Tamil Nadu bowlers—especially left-arm spinner Manimaran Siddharth, who saw 49 runs disappear in just 42 balls. Young off-spinner Mohamed Ali didn’t catch a break either, conceding 28 runs off only 14 balls facing Sarfaraz. Compared to his teammates, who couldn’t even get close to a strike rate of 70, Sarfaraz’s explosive 121.05 showed a confidence that’s hard to miss.
He reached his century in just 92 balls, coolly chipping an upper cut over the keeper’s head. By the time he retired hurt, he’d dragged Mumbai all the way to a dominant 367 for 5. It’s the kind of innings that gets everyone talking—especially when the rest of your batting lineup is struggling to keep up.
Omitted From Tests, Ready for a Comeback
Sarfaraz’s timing couldn’t be better. Just weeks ago, his name was missing from the squad for the England Tests—a move that left many scratching their heads, considering his outstanding first-class batting average of 65.98. He’s been working hard on his fitness, an area previously in the spotlight, but let’s face it: performances like this speak the loudest.
India’s home season is packed, starting with the West Indies in October at Ahmedabad and Delhi, and then moving to two big Tests against South Africa in Kolkata and Guwahati in November. Sarfaraz’s game will be watched closely by selectors and fans alike. And he’s not stopping—his next assignment takes him to the Duleep Trophy with the West Zone team. With names like Shardul Thakur (his captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shreyas Iyer in the mix, expectations are high.
So what’s next for Sarfaraz Khan? If his fiery Buchi Babu Trophy century is anything to go by, he’s making it tough for selectors to look past him any longer. Sarfaraz Khan has made it clear: he’s match-ready and hungry to grab that India cap.
