“Don’t get distracted or frustrated” - Ajinkya Rahane offers a piece of advice to ‘ousted’ Sarfaraz Khan

Former Indian middle-order batter Ajinkya Rahane has offered a piece of advice to the Indian middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan, who has been omitted from the India A squad for the forthcoming South Africa A series.

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Speaking to the Indian Express after the day’s play in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season against Chhattisgarh, Rahane asserted that Sarfaraz shouldn’t get distracted or frustrated by repeated exclusions from the national and ‘A’ teams.

“The only thing I can tell him is don’t get distracted or frustrated. It is very easy to say but very hard to do. Just focus on your cricket and keep scoring runs. He has been doing that really well. As a player, when you go through this phase, it is challenging and tough, but keep your head down and control what you can,” Rahane told the Indian Express.

Furthermore, Rahane, who scored 159 runs off 303 balls with 21 fours against Chhattisgarh, has emphasized that he should’ve been part of the Indian Test team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under, which India lost by 1-3 earlier this year.

“I thought an experienced player like me should get more chances. There was no communication. I was ready for the Australia series,” he stated.

He also reckoned that a player like Michael Hussey made his debut in the late 30s and went on to excel for his national team. Taking Hussey’s example, Rahane made it clear that it’s not about age, but about intent and passion of a player to do well for the national side. 

“It is not about age. It is about intent, passion and how much effort you are willing to give for red-ball cricket. Experience matters. Look at Michael Hussey. He made his Test debut in his 30s and still scored plenty of runs,” he concluded.

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