As the cricketing world was engrossed in the high-stakes battle between India and England in the opening Test match of the five-match series in Hyderabad, another cricketing spectacle unfolded in Ahmedabad, where India A took on England Lions in the second unofficial Test. Sarfaraz Khan, the seasoned domestic campaigner, stole the spotlight with a scintillating 89-ball century in the contest, leaving fans in awe and sparking a wave of emotions across the nation.

The Day 2 play: Sarfaraz Khan slams brilliant century

Resuming their innings at 150/0 in 32 overs after bundling out England Lions for 152, India A asserted their dominance, with Devdutt Padikkal playing a sensational century knock. However, the real showstopper was Sarfaraz, who entered the scene at no.4 and delivered a breathtaking century in just 89 balls. As tea approached, Sarfaraz remained unbeaten on 129, guiding India A to a formidable total of 364/6 (86).

Fans react on Sarfaraz notching up scintillating ton

Sarfaraz’s century triggered a myriad of emotions among cricket enthusiasts. Fans not only celebrated his remarkable achievement but also expressed their frustration over the national selectors’ apparent oversight of the talented batter. Notably, despite consistent performances in domestic cricket over the past four years, Sarfaraz has been consistently overlooked for a spot in the senior men’s team.

The selection debate

As Sarfaraz reached his century, the debate about the selectors ignoring him once again gained momentum on social media platforms. Fans, in their blunt reactions, questioned the rationale behind not including Sarfaraz in the senior team, especially considering his outstanding domestic form. Many supporters expressed disappointment over Sarfaraz not being picked as Virat Kohli‘s replacement for the first two Tests against England, with Rajat Patidar getting the nod ahead of him.

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Calls for inclusion

The social media landscape was flooded with calls for Sarfaraz’s inclusion in the senior team, with fans arguing that his consistent performances and current century should be sufficient evidence of his readiness for the international stage.

Here’s how netizens reacted:

HUNDRED FOR SARFARAZ KHAN…!!!!

Hundred from just 89 balls against England Lions 🔥 India A lost 4 quick wickets in the space of 22 runs and then Sarfaraz show started – A special knock. pic.twitter.com/PDz5WGCfaj

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 25, 2024

Hundred for Sarfaraz all this hard work but twitter experts will give excuses on his fitness, his IPL performances and what not.. You know why bcos their player from their favorite franchise has been picked.😂😂m not even gonna comment on selectors at this point https://t.co/KAY2REyqfC

— Archer (@poserarcher) January 25, 2024

If you are him and not getting selected for test cricket,what are you thinking??? pic.twitter.com/uVzUfvNPTx

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 24, 2024

Another day, another century for Sarfaraz Khan!

How long will you ignore him? @BCCI pic.twitter.com/XBcDfazYsU

— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) January 25, 2024

Sarfaraz 💯

Rinku 🦆

— Rockz☜ (@Rockz055) January 25, 2024

One more slap on Selectors face by Sarfaraz Khan https://t.co/BMtbbBAP6k

— KK (@_Dear__Zindagi_) January 25, 2024

Sorry Sarfaraz 😞 , selectors don’t want you 😑 https://t.co/uID6yHQDbC

— Pull-Shot™ (@pullshotRo45) January 25, 2024

One more test hundred for Sarfaraz Khan against England Lions. What a player 🔥#INDvsENG

— Shaiban Mukadam 🇮🇳 (@mukadam_shaiban) January 25, 2024

HUNDRED FOR SARFARAZ KHAN.

Hadd hoti hai ignorance ki. The man who deserve a permanent seat but they didn’t even gave him bus seat also. He a deserving more than that patidar Or any other youngsters.
Why why why., I just can feel him. He strong . #INDvsENG #INDvENG #Bazball pic.twitter.com/oKhQUESTGV

— Khabri Odisha (@KalingaPaltanMI) January 25, 2024

Sarfaraz another century! #IndAvLions

— Sourabh Sanyal 🇮🇳 (@sourabhsanyal) January 25, 2024

Sarfaraz>>(patidar)×4
In test https://t.co/cEyNObaxHo

— 𝖘𝖆𝖎𝖋𝖎♛(LSG) (@saifi__sarif) January 25, 2024

Once again, Sarfaraz Khan showcases his brilliance with a century against England Lions, reaching the century in just 89 balls. pic.twitter.com/KoaUtgten4

— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) January 25, 2024

Sarfaraz Khan brings up his hundred in just 89 balls against England Lions! 🔥🌟

Well played, Sarfaraz! 👏👏#SarfarazKhan pic.twitter.com/2pnP8PYkR2

— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) January 25, 2024

The actual bazzball is being played by IND A against Eng lions and look at Sarfaraz, he yet again scored a 100.Those who have not seen him play in SA A tour claim that he has some weakness against pacers, Sigh.But he is a fine fine talent and will play for IND sooner or later. pic.twitter.com/rNByAk1iaF

— FAEQUE NISHAT (@NishatFaeque) January 25, 2024

Sarfaraz can’t play fast
Strike rate of 112
But but he can’t play fast bowler :-
Mott is one the best HTD bowler of England.
Has to bat in top 4 :- Century there
Not consistent enough for India A :- 96, 55 & 100 in last 3 test .
But but fitness:-Passed yo yo test.#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/f9MFZtPq7s

— Raazi (@Crick_logist) January 25, 2024

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