Sarfaraz Khan is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to solidify his place in the Indian cricket team. Ahead of the India A tour of England, the Mumbai batter has shed a significant 10 kilograms, showcasing his dedication to improving his fitness and making the most of this opportunity. This tour is crucial for Sarfaraz, providing him with a platform to prove his mettle in challenging overseas conditions.
The 27-year-old Sarfaraz has been named in the India A squad that will play two first-class matches against England Lions, the A side of the English national cricket team. The matches are scheduled from May 30 to June 2 in Canterbury and June 6 to June 9 in Northampton. Following these matches, the India A team will engage in an intra-squad match against the senior Indian men's team from June 13 to June 16 in Beckenham.
Sarfaraz's inclusion in the India A squad comes at a time when there are potential openings in the senior team's Test batting lineup. With the recent retirements of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, there are two crucial spots up for grabs. A strong performance on this tour could significantly boost Sarfaraz's chances of securing a regular place in the Test side.
Acknowledging the importance of fitness, especially in the challenging English conditions, Sarfaraz has been working diligently to shed excess weight. He has adopted a strict diet plan consisting of boiled vegetables and chicken. Alongside dietary changes, he is also putting in the hard yards in practice, training twice a day. A significant part of his training focuses on improving his discipline outside the off-stump, which is essential for success in England's swinging conditions.
Sarfaraz's father and coach, Naushad Khan, has been a pillar of support in this journey. Under his guidance, Sarfaraz is working tirelessly to hone his skills and prepare for the challenges that await him in England. The family has collectively embarked on a "weight-losing mission," with Naushad himself shedding 12 kilograms in a month. Their diet now excludes flour and rice, focusing instead on vegetable saute, boiled chicken and eggs, and green tea and black coffee.
Despite making his Test debut in February 2024, Sarfaraz is yet to play a Test match overseas. In the six Test matches he has played so far, he has scored 371 runs at an average of 37.10, including a century and three half-centuries. His only century came against New Zealand in Bengaluru, where he scored a brilliant 150.
While Sarfaraz is considered a strong contender for a place in the Test side, he faces stiff competition from other talented players. The India A squad includes experienced players like Karun Nair, who has made a comeback after a strong domestic season, as well as promising youngsters like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The India A tour of England will be a crucial test for Sarfaraz Khan. It is an opportunity for him to showcase his improved fitness, his adaptability to overseas conditions, and his ability to perform under pressure. A successful tour could pave the way for a long and successful career in the Indian Test team.
