“Please don’t twist things” - Irfan Pathan backs selectors amid Sarfaraz Khan’s non-selection controversy

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has requested the Indian cricketing fraternity not to twist things and create narratives that aren’t even close to the truth, as the Indian middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan’s non-selection from the India A squad raises eyebrows.

Notably, Safaraz scored an exceptional 92-run knock in his last India A game against the England Lions before getting ruled out of the action due to an injury. However, he made a strong comeback with a brilliant half-century for Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season.

There has been a huge uproar on various social media platforms, stating that Sarfaraz has been excluded from the Indian squads because of his religion. However, taking to his X handle, Irfan quashed all the rumours. 

"Selectors and the coach (management) will always have a plan. Sometimes it might look wrong in the fans' eyes, but please don't twist things or create narratives that aren't even close to the truth," wrote Pathan on X.

https://x.com/IrfanPathan/status/1981004339243344008 

On the other hand, former Indian spinner and analyst Ravi Ashwin also shared his thoughts on the exclusion of Sarfaraz Khan from the India A squad for the forthcoming two-match four-day series against South Africa A.

"I feel really sorry for Sarfaraz. He has worked hard, reduced his weight, and continues to score runs. If I were the selector, I would have spoken to him directly and explained the decision," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. 

India A squad for the 1st four-day match: Rishabh Pant (C) (WK), Ayush Mhatre, N Jagdeesan (WK), Sai Sudharsan (VC), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Ayush Badoni, Saransh Jain.

India A squad for the 2nd four-day match: Rishabh Pant (C) (WK), KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Sai Sudharsan (VC), Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.

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