"He should have played the last Test" - Former Pakistan cricketer slams India’s team management after 1-3 loss in BGT 2024-25

Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria seemed unimpressed by India's decision to bench middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia. He opined that the talented youngster should have made it to the playing XI for the recently concluded final Test in Sydney.

Before the Australia tour, Sarfaraz played a stunning 150-run knock in India's Test series opener of the three-match home series against New Zealand. Suggesting that the batter deserved to get a game in the BGT, here's what Kaneria said in a video shared on his YouTube channel (from 2:17):

"In my opinion, Sarfaraz Khan should have been given a chance in the last Test. He came to Australia after scoring runs. He should have played the last Test."

India suffered a heartbreaking six-wicket defeat in Sydney, failing to defend a 162-run target in the final innings. Australia won the five-match series 3-1, reclaiming the BGT after 10 years.

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"He will have to be groomed" - Danish Kaneria wants to see Umran Malik in India's Test team after BGT 2024-25

In the video, Danish Kaneria emphasized that India must groom tearaway speedster Umran Malik. He reckoned that the 25-year-old should only concentrate on climbing the pecking order in Test cricket.

Stating that the fast bowler would be a valuable asset for India's red-ball team, Kaneria remarked (from 4:12):

"India will have to develop Umran Malik because he is their fastest bowler. Please prepare him mentally that he just has to focus on Test cricket. Just play Test cricket and perform there. He can be an asset for India as he will be very helpful in conditions like England, Australia and South Africa and can also extract reverse swing in India. He will have to be groomed."

Malik made his India debut in 2022 during the Men in Blue's T20I series against Ireland. He failed to impress at the highest level and has been absent from the national team since July 2023.