Prolific domestic scorer Sarfaraz Khan’s surprise exclusion in Team India setup for the upcoming West Indies tour drew sharp criticism from former players. Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar questioned the logic behind having the Ranji Trophy if performance in the country’s premier domestic tournament is not looked into while picking the Indian red-ball teams instead of taking into account the players’ record in the IPL.

Amid all the buzz, a BCCI official defended the move claiming that Sarfaraz’s below-par ‘fitness level’ as well as alleged ‘off-field conduct’ has influenced the decision. For a player who has been in phenomenal touch with the willow in domestic cricket over the last three years, a snub from the selectors has left most furious. However, people associated with Mumbai cricket have come to the defence of the middle-order batter.