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Sarfaraz Khan made a strong statement with the bat after being left out of India’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand. The Mumbai batter scored a brilliant century against Himachal Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 on Monday, helping his team build a massive first-innings lead at the Lohnu Cricket Ground in Bilaspur.
Batting at No. 5, Sarfaraz scored 154 runs off 228 balls in Mumbai’s Elite Group D match. His innings included 19 fours and helped the visitors post a commanding total against Himachal Pradesh.
The right-handed batter, who turns 29 on Thursday, was Mumbai’s highest scorer in the first innings as the team strengthened its position in the match.
Sarfaraz Khan Scores 154 After India Snub
Sarfaraz’s century came just days after the BCCI selectors announced India’s squad for the two-Test series in New Zealand. The Mumbai batter failed to make the cut and was also left out of the India A squad for the three unofficial Tests in New Zealand announced on October 6.
The 28-year-old last played a Test match for India during the home series against New Zealand in November 2024. In the third Test at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, he managed scores of 0 and 1 in the two innings.
Sarfaraz made his Test debut against England in Rajkot on February 15, 2024, and made an immediate impact by scoring half-centuries in both innings. He was also part of India’s squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka in August 2026, having joined the team as a replacement for Sai Sudharsan. However, he did not get an opportunity to play either of the two matches.
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Sarfaraz, Akash Anand Put Mumbai In Command
Sarfaraz was not the only Mumbai batter to make a big contribution against Himachal Pradesh. Wicketkeeper-batter Akash Anand scored an unbeaten 117, playing a that helped Mumbai to put a mammoth total.
The pair added 210 runs for the fifth wicket over two days, putting the Himachal Pradesh bowlers under sustained pressure. Akash faced 14 fours during his innings and remained unbeaten as Mumbai continued to pile on the runs.
Mumbai eventually declared their first innings at 528/8 after batting for 151 overs, taking their total well beyond the reach of the hosts’ first-innings score at that stage.
Mumbai Eye Another Innings Victory In Ranji Trophy
With a commanding position in the match, Mumbai will look to dismiss Himachal Pradesh and secure another convincing win in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. The team has five sessions available to bowl out the hosts and push for an innings victory.
Mumbai began their Ranji Trophy 2026-27 campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Chandigarh by an innings and 155 runs at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.