Sarfaraz Khan's non-inclusion in the Indian team for the West Indies tour was criticised by many including legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar.

Now BCCI sources claimed that his below-par "fitness level" as well as alleged "off-field conduct" has influenced the decision.

The Mumbai batter scored 2566 runs in the last three Ranji seasons. He scored 928 runs in the 2019/20 season, 982 in the 2022-23 and 656 in the 2022-23 season.

"His conduct on and off the field hasn't exactly been top notch. Certain things said, certain gestures made and some incidents have been taken note of. A bit more disciplined approach would only do him a world of good. Hopefully, Sarfaraz along with his father and coach Naushad Khan will work on those aspects," the senior official added.

Reportedly, Sarfaraz's celebrations after his hundred against Delhi earlier this year during a Ranji game, didn't go down well as the erstwhile selection committee chairman Chetan Sharma was watching that game from the stands.

Before that, during the 2022 Ranji Trophy final, his conduct during a break had irked MP coach and Mumbai stalwart Chandrakant Pandit.

Asked if IPL performance and perceived weakness against short ball has also contributed to his non-selection, the source replied, "That's a perception built by media. Do you think there could be any cricketing reason?

"When Mayank Agarwal broke into Indian Test team, he scored 1000 first class runs in one month. Did MSK Prasad's committee check his IPL credentials? Ditto for Hanuma Vihari, who came through domestic and A team ranks. If their IPL and white ball record wasn't checked then, why would SS Das's committee reinvent the wheel now? Simple. The reason is not a cricketing one," he added. As of now, it will be difficult for Sarfaraz to make it to the team.

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