Following his twin centuries in the Buchi Babu tournament, Sarfaraz Khan was slated to play for West Zone in the semifinal.
Sarfaraz Khan Ruled Out of Duleep Trophy Semifinal Due to Injury
Sarfaraz Khan’s spectacular form came to a halt as the Mumbai batter was ruled out of the Duleep Trophy semifinal with a quadriceps injury, potentially sidelining him until late September. The injury dashed hopes of a Test comeback after Sarfaraz had scored back-to-back centuries in the Buchi Babu Invitational, sending a strong message to selectors.
Sarfaraz Khan was set to feature for defending champions West Zone against Central Zone at the BCCI’s CEG ground in Bengaluru, starting September 4. A Times of India report confirmed that the injury occurred during his century against Haryana, and he will undergo at least three weeks of rehabilitation at the CoE.
He will be replaced by Baroda batter Shivalik Sharma, who has 1,087 runs in 18 first-class matches at an average of 43.48, including three centuries and five fifties. India wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has also been ruled out, having missed the opening game against North East due to a groin injury.
Fresh injury concern for Mohammed Shami
Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami raised injury concerns after he remained in the dugout despite bowling 11 overs in North Zone’s second innings. He did not bowl during the final session on Day 3 of the match.
East Zone captain Riyan Parag explained, “He rolled over on his toe and the other spike went over his toe, so that’s why he couldn’t bowl.” Shami is aiming to return to the Indian Test squad for the upcoming home series against the West Indies next month, having missed the tours of Australia and England. His last Test appearance was in the WTC final against Australia in June 2023.
