India batting star Sarfaraz Khan is back in the national set-up after nearly two years. The 28-year-old was called up as a replacement for Sai Sudharsan, who was ruled out of the Sri Lanka series due to injury. Khan has played six Tests, scoring 371 runs at an average of 37, with one century and three fifties.

Ravichandran Ashwinwho shared the dressing room with the talented batter, gave him a unique title. Ashwin called the Mumbai-based batter the ‘King of Subcontinental Conditions.’ The Indian selectors recalled Sarfaraz for his good footwork and gameplay against the spinners.

Speaking on his YouTube channel with journalist Vimal Kumar, the former India legend said, “Sarfaraz was included in the team because of the injury to Sai Sudharsan.

According to me, the batter needs to be given a proper message, and there has to be clarity of thoughts if people feel he has a suspect technique in these conditions.”

The 106-Test veteran also added, “He can be told that you can be the king of the subcontinent, and the batter wouldn’t waste time.

He needs to focus on playing spin and build his career around it. A cricketer can think he will play well across all conditions. I would also think and say the same. If a player does well in first-class cricket, give him a chance to fail rather than making your mind up that he isn’t good enough.”

Ashwin wants India to go with Gurnoor Brar

The veteran spinner was asked by Vimal which pacer he would choose between Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna. To which he went in with the former and said that the 26-year-old had also batted higher up the order in the warm-up game, and the pacer’s form also makes him an ideal candidate to play the game.

Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the bowling attack in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence. Brar picked up three wickets in the practice match and also scored 36 not out with the bat in the first innings. Prasidh, on the other hand, took just one wicket in the game.

India bowling coach Morne Morkel has already indicated that the side could opt to go for three spinners. The 42-year-old told the media that the visitors aren’t averse to the idea of playing three left-arm spin bowlers for the opening Test match in Galle that begins on Saturday.