Why India Must Back Sarfaraz Khan in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024

India’s Test team is revving up for the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024 Down Under, where the Aussie pace attack featuring the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon has been known to give visiting batsmen sleepless nights. But fear not! This is India's golden chance to shine, especially with a batting lineup that’s set to pack a punch. Enter Sarfaraz Khan, the secret weapon in India's arsenal, ready to show the Aussies that they’re not the only ones who can send the ball flying.

Sarfaraz's inclusion in the Indian Test team has been a topic of much debate, but his credentials, form, and ability to thrive under pressure have made a compelling case for his selection in the upcoming BGT. Here’s why Sarfaraz Khan should be part of India’s 2024 Test squad and how his unique skills can neutralize Australia’s bowling strength and play a vital role in India's quest to dominate on Australian soil.

The biggest threat India will face in Australia is undoubtedly Nathan Lyon. Known for his ability to control the game, Lyon can be devastating when the wickets support spin. India managed to cope with Lyon during their last tour, with Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant playing crucial roles. Pujara used his defensive prowess, while Pant took an aggressive approach, finding runs against Lyon even on turning tracks.

However, Sarfaraz Khan’s ability to play spin offers India a significant advantage. He is one of the best players of spin in India today, as demonstrated by his performances in domestic cricket, including his partnership with Pant in recent games. Sarfaraz’s technique and footwork against spin are exceptional, making him a key asset in tackling Lyon. His presence could allow India to rotate the strike and score freely against Lyon, reducing his influence on the game.

With Lyon often being Australia’s primary weapon in spinning conditions, India could employ Sarfaraz alongside Pant in the playing XI, forming an aggressive duo that can dismantle Lyon’s strategy. This, in turn, could force Australia to reconsider their tactics, potentially bringing in an extra bowler to manage the old ball, thus putting pressure on the Aussie pacers. In the absence of Cameron Green, the burden will fall heavily on Australia’s pacers, which India could exploit.

Another misconception surrounding Sarfaraz Khan is that he’s only effective at turning wickets, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Sarfaraz has showcased his skills in a range of conditions, even tackling the tricky pitches of South Africa with confidence. In fact, his performances on ‘A’ tours and domestic cricket have shown that he is more than capable of handling the pace and bounce traits Australia’s pitches are known for.

One of Sarfaraz Khan’s greatest strengths is his hunger for big runs. While some critics argue that he’s merely a “run accumulator,” this view oversimplifies his abilities. His recent performances, including a double-century in the Irani Cup, have shown that he can score large, match-defining innings at an aggressive strike rate. In his innings against New Zealand, he demonstrated his ability to score quickly, proving that he can switch gears when required.