Sarfaraz Khan's form and fitness were on his side as he reminded selectors that he was ready for a Test comeback by smashing consecutive hundreds in the Buchi Babu Invitational. However, the Mumbai batter's aspirations were crushed on Sunday when he was ruled out of the Duleep Trophy due to an injury that could keep him out till late September.
Sarfaraz was part of the reigning champions West Zone squad, who take on Central Zone in the semi-final match at the BCCI's CEG field at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on September 4.
Times of India reported that Sarfaraz sustained a quadriceps injury during his knock against Haryana earlier this week, and it would take him at least three weeks to recover. "Sarfaraz is suffering from a quadriceps injury, which he picked up while scoring a century against Haryana in the Buchi Babu event five days ago. He's set to be out for almost three weeks, and is currently rehabilitating at the CoE," a source told the national daily.
As per the report, Sarfaraz will be replaced by Baroda batter Shivalik Sharma, who earlier was among the West Zone reserves. Shivalik has amassed 1087 runs at an average of 43.48 in 18 first-class matches, which feature three hundreds and five fifties.
Other injuries
India wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has also been ruled out of the Duleep Trophy semifinal. The Central Zone skipper had already missed the opener against North East due to a groin injury.
Meanwhile, after bowling 11 overs in North Zone's second innings, veteran India fast bowler Mohammed Shami stayed in the dugout, raising suspicions of a new injury. On the third day of the contest, he didn't bowl in the last session.
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East Zone captain Riyan Parag on Shami's absence noted: "I think he rolled over on his toe and the other spike went over his toe, so that's why he couldn't bowl."
Shami was not considered for India's Asia Cup squad and had also missed the tours of Australia and England.
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