Congress leader Shama Mohamed stirred controversy again on Wednesday, this time raising questions over cricketer Sarfaraz Khan's exclusion from the recently announced India and India A squads.
Her comments followed her earlier criticism of former India captain Rohit Sharma’s fitness.
Posting on her official X handle, Mohamed hinted at a possible religious angle in Sarfaraz's omission, writing, "Is Sarfaraz Khan not selected because of his surname! #justasking. We know where Gautam Gambhir stands on that matter."
The remarks came shortly after the BCCI revealed the India A squads for two upcoming four-day matches against South Africa A, scheduled at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The first match will take place from October 30 to November 2, with the second scheduled for November 6 to 9.
Despite Sarfaraz Khan’s strong domestic performances, he was overlooked in both squads, prompting discussions among fans and cricket analysts. The 27-year-old made his Test debut under Rohit Sharma against England at home in February last year. Since then, he has amassed 371 runs in six Tests at an average of 37.10, with a strike rate of 74.94, including a century and three fifties, and a highest score of 150. His last appearance for India was against New Zealand at Wankhede in November last year.
In first-class cricket, Sarfaraz has compiled 2,467 runs in 56 matches at an average of 65.19, including 16 centuries and 15 half-centuries, with a strike rate of 70.99. Over the past five years, his domestic form has been particularly strong, boasting an average of 117.47, yet he was still overlooked for the Australia tour. This has led many to speculate on his limited prospects of returning to the Indian Test team.
India squad for first four-day match: Rishabh Pant (capt, wk), Ayush Mhatre, N Jagadeesan (wk), Sai Sudharsan (vice-capt), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Ayush Badoni, Saransh Jain.
India squad for second four-day match: Rishabh Pant (capt, wk), KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Sai Sudharsan (vice-capt), Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.