Sarfaraz Khan should get opportunity for the amount of runs that he has scored in past three years: Sourav Ganguly

The non-selection of batter Sarfaraz Khan from team India's squad for the upcoming West Indies Test series has ignited heated controversy across the cricket world. Now, former India skipper Sourav Ganguly has come in favour of Sarfaraz, believing that the 25-year-old batter should be rewarded for his exploits in domestic cricket with a call-up to the Test side.

Despite his outstanding performance in domestic cricket over the previous few years, the Mumbai batter has been consistently overlooked by selectors. Meanwhile, other youngsters like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal earned their maiden call-up, which strengthens the controversy surrounding Sarfaraz's exclusion.

Ganguly remarked that Jaiswal was selected because he made a lot of runs in the Ranji Trophy, Irani Trophy, and Duleep Trophy. The 50-year-old backed Sarfaraz, saying that with the number of runs he has scored in the last three years, he should be given a chance to play for the national side.

"I think Yashasvi Jaiswal has scored tons of runs in Ranji Trophy, Irani Trophy, Duleep Trophy. I think that's why he is in the squad. I feel for Sarfaraz Khan. At some point, he should get an opportunity for the amount of runs that he has scored in the past three years," Ganguly was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda.

Abhimanyu Easwaran should get a chance in future: Ganguly

Ganguly, the former BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) president, cited Abhimanyu Easwaran as another example, stating he was surprised with his omission as well. He also stated that Easwaran and Sarfaraz should be given an opportunity in the future. According to the 50-year-old, Jaiswal is an excellent pick for the upcoming tour.

"And same thing for Abhimanyu Easwaran for the tons of runs he has scored in the last five to six years. I am surprised that both of them have been omitted but they should get a chance in future. But Yashasvi Jaiswal is a good selection," he added.