'A Good Option in the Mid-stages': Sanjay Manjrekar Believes Sarfaraz Khan Can be India's Middle-order Solution In ODIs

After an impressive debut Test in Rajkot, former Indian cricketer, Sanjay Manjrekar believes that India might have found a good middle-overs batter in the 50-over format for the Indian team.

Manjrekar had posted on X where he said, “I think India have found a very good 50 overs middle order batter option, to bat in the middle stages, with 5 fielders inside the circle, it’s Sarfraz Khan.”

India’s middle order in the ODI has been a point of concern even in the recently concluded World Cup where Suryakumar Yadav who occupied the number seven position unable to perform well.

Sarfaraz Khan who made his debut in the third Test against England, has had good performances with the bat across both innings. He has scored fifties in both innings contributing to India’s massive win against England.

READ MORE: ‘Looking to Contribute in Batting, Fielding and Energy’: Rohit Sharma Pleased with Sarfaraz Khan’s Test Debut

In the first innings, he managed to take on the bowlers in an aggressive manner, racing to his first international fifty in just 48 deliveries. He also stitched up an important 77-run partnership with Jadeja to take India’s first innings total up to 445 runs.

In the second innings, he partnered with fellow Mumbaikar, Yashasvi Jaiswal who had retired hurt the previous day and came on to bat in Day 4. The left-handed opener had gone on to score a double-century. Meanwhile, Sarfaraz played a good supporting role as he scored his fifty in the second innings as India declared with a lead of 556 runs.

Already having a stellar first-class record, it seems like only a matter of time until he is to make his debut in the limited-overs format. But the Mumbai star is yet to have a good season playing in the IPL.

READ MORE: ‘We’ve Seen Him Over the Years, Knows What His Game His’: Rohit Lauds Jadeja’s All-round Performance in Rajkot Test

Sarfaraz had an emotional start to his international career as he was handed his first Test cap in the presence of his father, Naushad Khan. The two had an emotional moment with his father in tears seeing his son’s big achievement of finally making it to the Indian squad.

Rohit Sharma was also pleased with the mindset he came in to play with. The skipper had revealed during the press conference that he did not give too many instructions to the debutant and was allowed to play his natural game.

India will hope that he will continue to perform if given the chance as India is yet to seal the series with two more Tests remaining in Ranchi and Dharamsala.