India, Oct. 22 -- On Tuesday, the BCCI selection committee named the 15-man India A squad for the two first-class games against South Africa A, and Sarfaraz Khan, who will turn 28 on Wednesday, was left out. The Mumbai batter has every reason to feel aggrieved. He has amassed numerous runs in domestic cricket, where he has been a regular despite breaking into the Indian team last year. Over the summer, he shed 17 kilograms to become leaner and fitter than ever. Still, the BCCI's decision cannot be entirely contested.

According to a report in the PTI, Sarfaraz's exclusion was due to the return of Rishabh Pant, who will be making his comeback to competitive action for the first time since being sidelined with a toe injury during the tour o...