Cheteshwar Pujara has shared his thoughts regarding Sarfaraz Khan's absence from India's Test team for the upcoming five-match series against England, which is set to commence on June 20. Despite Sarfaraz's impressive track record in domestic cricket, he was not included in the 18-member squad revealed on Saturday. Previously, he had traveled with the Indian team to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but did not play in any matches.

In an interview with a media outlet, Pujara speculated that the selectors might have reservations about Sarfaraz's performance in conditions outside of the subcontinent. He stated, "The reason he’s not in the squad, I feel, is because he has been highly successful in Indian or Asian conditions. The management probably feels he may not do as well in places like England or Australia. There were also some past concerns about his fitness, though I’m not sure about his current fitness levels. He’s been putting in the work, though. At this point, it does seem unfortunate."

Pujara also pointed out that while Sarfaraz has been making a strong case for selection, another domestic player, Karun Nair, has also earned his spot. "Karun has been in good form and deserved an opportunity," he remarked.

Sarfaraz, who made his Test debut against England in February last year, did not get a chance to play during the Australia series and was ultimately dropped. His exclusion has ignited discussions, particularly since he reportedly lost 10 kilograms in preparation for the England tour to address previous fitness concerns.

Renowned cricketer Sunil Gavaskar also weighed in on the situation, emphasizing the tough nature of international cricket. In comments to a media channel, Gavaskar noted, "It’s tough, but that’s what top-level cricket demands. When you get a chance, you’ve got to make it count and secure your spot. Even if you’ve scored a hundred, you can’t carry that into your next innings. You have to start fresh every time and prove yourself again. You can’t give anyone a reason to leave you out."

Gavaskar’s remarks highlight the intense expectations and fierce competition that accompany representing India, where talent, consistency, and timing are crucial.