IND vs ENG: Sarfaraz Khan lost 10 kg but was dropped—what mistake ruined his England dream?

Team India will tour England next month for a 5-match Test series starting from 20th June. The team has already announced its 18-member squad for this tour. However, Sarfaraz Khan has not been included in the team. Many believed that Sarfaraz had a confirmed place in the Test squad, but the selectors did not approve his name.

Sarfaraz Khan was part of India’s squad during last year’s Australia tour, but despite his good form, he did not get a chance in the playing eleven. Now, for the upcoming England tour starting from 20th June, he has been dropped from the 18-member squad. This came as a surprise to many, as it was believed that his spot in the Test team was almost confirmed.

Instead of Sarfaraz, selectors picked Karun Nair. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar mentioned that the decision was taken by the team management and admitted that such choices often feel unfair. Karun Nair, currently with Delhi Capitals in IPL, played one good innings against Mumbai but didn’t have consistent performances in the rest of the tournament.

Also Read -IND vs ENG: 3 players who deserved a spot in Team India’s Test squad for England tour

Meanwhile, Sarfaraz, who was not part of this IPL season, focused on improving his fitness and lost 10 kg weight. He has also been performing well in domestic cricket and is part of the India A squad. However, he was not included in the main Test team.

Shubman Gill-led #TeamIndia are READY for an action-packed Test series 💪

A look at the squad for India Men’s Tour of England 🙌#ENGvIND | @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/y2cnQoWIpq

— BCCI (@BCCI) May 24, 2025

During the Australia tour, the Indian team won only one match. That tour also remained in the news due to dressing room controversies. Sarfaraz Khan was reportedly linked to leaking details from the dressing room. Although the Indian Cricket Board never confirmed it, many believe this incident might have played a role in his non-selection.

So far, Sarfaraz Khan has played 6 Test matches, scoring 1 century and 3 half-centuries, with a highest score of 150. In first-class cricket, he has an impressive average of over 65, scoring 4593 runs in 54 matches, including 16 centuries and 14 half-centuries.