The battle for India’s No 6 position is emerging as one of the key selection discussions ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka, with former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif backing Sarfaraz Khan ahead of Dhruv Jurel.
India are scheduled to begin their two match Test series against Sri Lanka on August 15 in Galle. With the conditions expected to provide a significant challenge for batters, the team management has several decisions to make before finalising the playing eleven.
Kaif has suggested that Sarfaraz should be preferred over Jurel for the opening Test. According to the former India batter, Sarfaraz’s ability to handle spin makes him a particularly suitable option for the conditions expected in Sri Lanka.
Sarfaraz recently returned to the Indian Test squad after being called up as a replacement for Sai Sudharsan. Sudharsan was ruled out of the series because of a toe injury, creating an opening in the squad. Sarfaraz’s recall has given him another opportunity to compete for a place in the Test team.
The Mumbai batter made his Test debut against England in 2024 and quickly attracted attention with his aggressive approach and ability to score against different types of bowling. In six Test matches, Sarfaraz has scored 371 runs at an average of 37.10, including one century and three half centuries. His highest Test score is 150, which came against New Zealand in Bengaluru.
Sarfaraz’s ability against spin is one of the main reasons Kaif has backed him for the Sri Lanka series. Playing in Galle can require batters to remain patient while also finding ways to score against spin as the match progresses.
Kaif believes Sarfaraz's range of strokes could be useful if the pitch becomes increasingly difficult for batting. The former India cricketer has also questioned why Sarfaraz was previously left out of the Test side despite his domestic performances.
Dhruv Jurel, however, remains an important option for India. The wicketkeeper batter has already demonstrated his ability at Test level and provides additional flexibility to the team combination.
Jurel's presence also gives the selectors another choice in the middle order. The final decision will depend on the team's assessment of the pitch, conditions and balance of the playing eleven.
The selection debate has gained further attention following India's recent warm up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI. Devdutt Padikkal scored an unbeaten century, while several other Indian batters had mixed performances. Jurel was among the players who did not make a major contribution with the bat in that match, adding another element to the discussion surrounding India's middle order.
For Sarfaraz, the upcoming Test series represents an important opportunity to make the most of his return to the national squad. His recall came after a period away from international cricket, despite continued efforts to maintain his form and improve his fitness.
Reports have also highlighted Sarfaraz's significant fitness transformation. He reportedly lost around 17 kilograms while working to improve his physical condition and strengthen his chances of returning to the Indian team.
The situation surrounding the No 6 position is also linked to India's broader batting combination. With Sai Sudharsan unavailable, the selectors have had to adjust their original plans for the Sri Lanka Tests.
India's top order is expected to carry significant responsibility, while the middle order will need to provide stability in conditions where spin could become increasingly important. The choice between Sarfaraz and Jurel could therefore influence the team's overall batting balance.
Kaif's recommendation is not an official indication of India's playing eleven. The final decision will be made by the Indian team management and selectors after assessing the players, pitch and conditions before the Test.
Sarfaraz's previous performances against spin could strengthen his case, while Jurel's wicketkeeping ability and experience provide a different set of advantages. If India choose a specialist batter at No 6, Sarfaraz could become a strong candidate. If the team prioritises flexibility and wicketkeeping depth, Jurel could remain in contention.
The first Test in Galle is expected to provide an important test of India's batting depth. Sri Lankan conditions traditionally require visiting teams to adapt quickly, particularly against spin bowling.
The selection decision will therefore be closely watched when India announce its playing eleven. Sarfaraz's return has created fresh competition for places, while Jurel remains an established option within the squad.
For now, Kaif has made his preference clear. He believes Sarfaraz's ability against spin gives him an advantage over Jurel for the opening Test.
The final decision, however, rests with the Indian team management. With the first Test scheduled to begin on August 15, the No 6 position remains one of the most closely watched selection battles ahead of the India Sri Lanka series.