Kaif: Sarfaraz Khan Makes My Best XI

Mohammad Kaif supports Sarfaraz Khan‘s inclusion in India’s playing XI for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins on August 15, 2026.

Following Sai Sudharsan’s right toe stress response, Sarfaraz was named his replacement on August 9, 2026. Before the team departed for Galle for the first Test, the batter joined the Indian team in Colombo.

In contrast to Dhruv Jurel, Kaif argued that Sarfaraz possesses superior technical skills for the circumstances at Galle. The former India batsman insisted that Sarfaraz’s departure from the squad was not due to his performance and questioned why he had been benched after his initial stay with the team.

“There was a reason why he was not allowed to play. Performance was not the reason. There was no cause. His runs were not being made, and the bat was not working. He scored runs against New Zealand. He crossed the field. He was doing fine. He was in shape.

In a YouTube video, Kaif stated that he had a terrific start when he scored against England. However, he was withdrawn after that. But now, whoever suggested he should return, I believe he is thinking about India. India is thinking about cricket. We need to win. We’ll need competent players. We’ll need competent players. “We will need good players who play well,” he said.

Why Kaif believes Sarfaraz’s way is superior for Galle.

Sarfaraz has scored 371 runs for India in six Test matches, averaging 37.10, with one century and three half-centuries. He scored 150 in his greatest innings against New Zealand. His most recent Test participation was in November 2024.

Sarfaraz scored 429 runs at an average of 53.62 in seven games during the 2025 Ranji Trophy, ranking as Mumbai’s third-highest run scorer. His first-class batting average of 64.73 is one of the greatest among players with at least 50 innings.

At Galle, where spin-friendly conditions typically favour hitters with strong technical foundations, Kaif stressed Sarfaraz’s record against spin bowling and his suitability for the middle order.

“If they follow the trend of supporting players who have already played for the squad, they may say, ‘Jurel has been with us before. He has not scored consistently, but we will support him because he is already a member of the team.

If this is the method, Sarfaraz will have to wait. However, if you ask me what my greatest XI is, Sarfaraz’s name comes up because of his ability to play spin at No. 5 or No. 6. “His record against spin is excellent,” the cricketer-turned-commentator stated.

The mechanical benefits of Sarfaraz over spin bowling

Kaif went into detail about Sarfaraz’s unique batting qualities, which make him effective in scenarios where the bowling attack is controlled by spinners. The former India batsman emphasised how Sarfaraz stands out from other middle-order options in the team due to his shot-making range and footwork against spin bowling.

The first Test starts on August 15 in Galle, and the second Test begins on August 23 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.