Congress national spokesperson Shama Mohamed on Wednesday accused head coach Gautam Gambhir of religious bias, criticising the non-selection of Sarfaraz Khan for senior national team assignments. The selection committee’s decision to exclude Sarfaraz from the India-A squad on Tuesday reignited debate over the alleged unfair treatment of one of domestic cricket’s most consistent performers.
It raised many questions whether the prolific Mumbai batter is now even being considered for the second-string side.
Mohamed took to X and questioned if Sarfaraz wasn’t being selected because of his surname. The Congress leader’s comments came after Sarafraz was not picked for India-A squad that will take on a visiting South African team in October-November in Bengaluru.
“Is Sarfaraz Khan not selected because of his surname! We know where Gautam Gambhir stands on that matter,” said Mohamed on X, referring to Gambhir’s stint in the Bharatiya Janata Party
Sarfaraz last played for India during the home series against New Zealand in November 2024 and didn’t get a chance to play the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
This is not the first time Shama Mohamed has stirred controversy with her views on cricket. Earlier this year, the Congress leader faced backlash for her comments on Rohit, calling him “fat for a sportsperson” and the “most unimpressive” captain in India’s history.