In a significant blow, Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan is likely to miss the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match due to an injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. As per reports, Sarfaraz Khan might miss all group-stage matches of the tournament and could only return for the knockout stages.
Mumbai is currently in third place in Group A of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 with 22 points. The domestic giants won three matches, lost one, and drew one in the first leg of the tournament. They will begin the second leg of the season with a match against Jammu & Kashmir, starting on Thursday, January 23.
Sarfaraz Khan Ruled Out of Group Stages of Ranji Trophy 2024-25
The right-handed batter reportedly suffered a minor hairline fracture in his ribs while fielding in practice shortly before the team left for Australia. After returning to India, a scan confirmed the injury, and he was advised a three-week rest. As a result, Sarfaraz is likely to miss the group stage of the tournament.
“He suffered the injury while fielding during practice just a couple of days before the Indian team left Australia. After coming back to India, a scan showed that he had sustained a minor rib fracture, and he was advised a three-week complete rest by the doctor. He is unlikely to play for Mumbai in their Ranji match against J&K. In fact, he could miss the entire league stage of the tournament, and be only fit by the knockouts,” a source was quoted as telling TOI.
Sarfaraz Khan Missed Out on Playing XI in BGT 2024-25
Sarfaraz Khan did not get the chance to play in any of the matches during Team India’s 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign, where the team lost 3-1. The 27-year-old has played six Test matches for the national cricket team, scoring 371 runs at an average of 37.10, including one century and three fifties.
Mumbai will be strengthened by the return of Shivam Dube, who was dropped from India’s T20I squad for the five-match series against England. India captain Rohit Sharma is expected to join Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy training camp on Tuesday. He has not yet confirmed his participation in the upcoming match.
Sarfaraz Khan One of Mumbai’s Standout Batters in Domestic Cricket
Sarfaraz Khan made his first-class debut in December 2014. He has played 54 matches, scoring 4,593 runs at an impressive average of 65.61, including 16 centuries and 14 half-centuries.
One of his memorable performances came in October 2024 during the Irani Trophy, where he was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 222 off 286 balls, featuring 25 fours and four sixes.
The right-handed batter helped Mumbai win the Irani Cup by taking the first-innings lead. Sarfaraz’s consistent performances in domestic cricket have solidified his reputation as a prolific batter.
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