He has performed well...: Kris Srikkanth on likelihood of Sarfaraz Khan losing Test spot to KL Rahul

Former Indian opener and chief selector Kris Srikkanth 'feels bad' for Sarfaraz Khan as the right-hander is likely to lose his Test spot with the return of senior batter KL Rahul ahead of the Bangladesh home series, commencing in Chennai on Sep 19. Sarfaraz made his Test debut during the England home series and ended with 200 runs in three Tests, including three half-centuries. The dashing young batter played at No. 5, Rahul's original position, after the latter got injured during the England series opener.

Former BCCI chief selector Srikkanth feels Rahul will be given the nod as he is a bigger player and has proven his credentials in Tests, also while playing overseas. The veteran feels India has an eye on the upcoming Australia tour, comprising five Tests, and Rahul's away record is also good.

"Honestly, I feel bad for Sarfaraz Khan. But, this happens, at timesin Test cricket. You would have been playing well, but when a big player returns, you will have to lose your place. Take for instance, Rishabh Pant is returning, because of which Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan are losing their places. KL Rahul is coming in," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

"At the back of the mind, they (Indian team management) are also keeping the Australia series. New Zealand are also coming. KL Rahul has performed well overseas, in Australia he has done well," added Srikkanth.

In 50 Tests, Rahul has 2,863 runs at an average of 34.08, including 8 hundreds. In away matches, he averages a modest 31.05 but has slammed seven centuries and 5 half-centuries.

India's hectic Test season commences with the two home games versus Bangladesh, before hosting New Zealand in three Tests. From thereon, they will travel to Australia for the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, featuring five Tests.

India's squad for the Bangladesh series also sees the return of Rishabh Pant in whites post his return from a horrific car crash in late 2022. With this, he is likely to replace Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps.

India's squad for two Tests versus Bangladesh: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Dayal.