Sarfaraz Khan is reportedly in line for a recall to India's Test side after an injury to Shubman Gill could force them to shuffle their batting order for the first Test match against New Zealand.
According to a report in India Today, Shubman Gill has complained of neck and shoulder pain less than 24 hours before the series against New Zealand is set to get underway in Bengaluru on October 16. The report said a decision on whether he would feature in the match would be taken on Wednesday morning ahead of the toss.
If Gill is unavailable, his absence would leave India in a difficult position. Gill has scored three centuries from No.3 this year, including one against Bangladesh last month. India do not have a like-for-like player to slot into the No.3 spot in their squad, with Sarfaraz the only spare specialist batter in their squad. In Sarfaraz's three Test appearances to date, he has batted twice at No.6 and once at No.5. India's only real option would be to push KL Rahul – a bona-fide Test opener – back up to No.3, and put Sarfaraz into the middle order.
Sarfaraz has enjoyed a successful start to his Test career, passing 50 three times in five innings so far, all of which came in the series against England earlier this year. With Virat Kohli, Rahul, and Rishabh Pant available for the Bangladesh series, Sarfaraz could not find a way into the XI with a packed middle-order. The injury to Gill offers him a way back in.
India will also be without Mohammad Shami for the match after he suffered a setback in his recovery from injury. Rohit Sharma confirmed in a press conference on Wednesday (October 15) that Shami was experiencing knee swelling which has "put him back a little bit in his recovery". Shami last played for India in the World Cup final in November of last year. He underwent surgery at the beginning of this year, but has not yet been able to return to action.
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
