In the heart of Bengaluru, Sarfaraz Khan celebrated his maiden Test century against New Zealand, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning cricket career. However, as the cricketing world lauds his achievement, it’s crucial to analyze the potential challenges he might face, particularly in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia. Here are two genuine weaknesses that could pose significant hurdles for Khan Down Under.
2 Genuine Weaknesses Of Sarfaraz Khan That Can Put Him In Trouble In BGT 2024-25 In Australia:
1. Limited Footwork Against Pace Bowling
One of the most glaring issues in Sarfaraz Khan’s batting technique is his reluctance to move his feet, especially against pace bowlers. Transitioning from domestic cricket to international arenas, particularly in Australia, demands agility and precise footwork.
- In Domestic Cricket: Khan has often relied on his hand-eye coordination and timing rather than traditional foot movement, a strategy that has served him well on flatter, slower pitches.
- In Australia: However, the bouncy and fast Australian pitches will require him to dance on his feet more than ever. The Australian pacers, known for their pace and bounce, exploit any hesitation in footwork. If Sarfaraz fails to adapt, he might find himself playing at deliveries much later in their flight, leading to edges or mistimed shots.
Adapting or Struggling?
Therefore, Sarfaraz needs to incorporate more dynamic footwork into his repertoire. Without it, he risks getting stuck on the crease, making it easier for bowlers like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc to find his edge or hit him on the pads.
2. Over-Aggression in Shot Selection
Sarfaraz Khan’s aggressive approach has been both his strength and Achilles’ heel. While his bold strokes have helped him amass runs quickly, this same aggression can be his downfall in tougher conditions.
- Shot Selection: His tendency to go for expansive shots, even when not fully set, might work against him on Australian pitches, where the ball can deviate unexpectedly.
- Against Spin: This aggression also extends to his play against spin, where he often charges down the track or sweeps without reading the turn. In Australia, where spinners like Nathan Lyon extract significant turn and bounce, such a strategy could lead to more dismissals than runs.
The Risk of Recklessness
This aggressive style, while entertaining, needs tempering with caution. Against a seasoned bowling attack like Australia’s, every loose shot can become an opportunity for the bowler. Sarfaraz must learn to play himself in, build partnerships, and resist the urge to dominate from ball one.
Sarfaraz Khan’s journey in Test cricket has just begun, and his century against New Zealand is a testament to his talent. Yet, to thrive in the challenging conditions of Australia, he must address these two critical areas of improvement. His feet must be more proactive, and his shot selection more measured. If Sarfaraz can evolve his game, he could turn these weaknesses into strengths, potentially becoming a stalwart for Team India against all odds. However, without these adjustments, the Australian tour might just highlight the gaps in his technique, putting his burgeoning international career at a crossroads.
