In a major setback for West Zone ahead of the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025, talented middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan is likely to be ruled out of the prestigious domestic tournament due to a quadriceps injury. The 27-year-old Mumbai cricketer, who has been knocking on the doors of Team India’s Test squad, picked up the injury during the recently concluded Buchi Babu Invitational in Chennai.

Sarfaraz had been in sublime form, scoring back-to-back centuries in the invitational tournament and raising hopes of a strong domestic season. His consistent run-scoring ability over the past few years has made him one of the most reliable performers in the Indian domestic circuit. However, this untimely injury has once again derailed his progress at a crucial stage. According to reports, he will be out of action for at least three weeks, ruling him out of the Duleep Trophy semi-final clash scheduled from September 4.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that Sarfaraz is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Medical experts will closely monitor his recovery, with the hope that he can return to competitive cricket by the end of September. While the injury is not career-threatening, the timing of it is particularly unfortunate, as Sarfaraz was being closely watched by selectors ahead of India’s home season and the upcoming West Indies Test series later this year.

The West Zone team management is expected to name Baroda batter Shivalik Sharma as Sarfaraz’s replacement. Shivalik, known for his solid technique and ability to handle pressure situations, will look to make the most of this opportunity. However, Sarfaraz’s absence leaves a significant void in West Zone’s middle order, as he was expected to play a key role with the bat in the knockout stages of the competition.

The injury setback also brings into focus the larger issue of player workload in domestic cricket. Sarfaraz has been one of the busiest players on the domestic circuit, representing Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, India A tours, and invitational tournaments. Experts believe that such injuries are often a result of the demanding schedule combined with high expectations to perform consistently.

For Sarfaraz, the Duleep Trophy was not just another domestic tournament—it was an important platform to stake his claim for a national comeback. Despite amassing over 4,000 first-class runs with an outstanding average, opportunities at the highest level have been limited. With India’s middle-order spots opening up due to retirements and transitions, the Duleep Trophy was seen as a crucial stage for Sarfaraz to remind selectors of his quality.

As things stand, the West Zone will have to regroup quickly and adjust their plans without their star batter. Fans and cricket pundits alike will be hoping for Sarfaraz’s swift recovery, as Indian cricket can ill afford to lose a player of his caliber to repeated injury setbacks.

While the injury has temporarily stalled his momentum, Sarfaraz Khan’s determination and track record suggest that he will bounce back strongly once he returns to the field. For now, his focus remains on regaining full fitness and making a timely comeback before the start of India’s next international assignments.

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Sarfaraz Khan Likely to Miss Duleep Trophy 2025 Due to Injury

Sep 1, 2025 5:26 AM

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