India's star Sarfaraz Khan is putting in the hard yards to diligently prepare for the all-important England tour. To keep himself in the best shape for India tour of England, Sarfaraz Khan has shed 10 kilograms through a disciplined dietary regimen. While he made his Test debut in 2024 against England, this tour presents an opportunity for his first Test appearance overseas. The 27-year-old has been selected for the India A squad for the two unofficial Test matches against England Lions, and he is focused on maximising this chance to impress.
Sarfaraz Khan loses 10kg ahead of India tour of England
As per a report by India Today, the Mumbai-born cricketer is adhering to a rigorous diet consisting primarily of boiled vegetables and chicken to enhance his fitness levels. His training schedule includes two sessions per day, with a particular emphasis on developing discipline outside the off-stump, a crucial aspect for success in the seaming conditions typically encountered in England.
Despite being part of the squad for the five-match Test series against Australia, Sarfaraz did not feature in any of those games. His last Test appearance was against New Zealand in the third Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Across the six Test matches he has played so far in his career, Sarfaraz has scored 371 runs at an average of 37.10, riding on a century and three half-centuries.
Sarfaraz Khan's sole Test century to date was a memorable innings of 150 against New Zealand in Bengaluru, although it occurred in a match that India ultimately lost. Prior to that, he had showcased his talent with a remarkable unbeaten innings of 222 runs off 286 balls for Mumbai, playing a crucial role in their Irani Cup victory.
With the recent retirements of experienced players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, there are now two vacant spots in India's Test playing XI. Consequently, Sarfaraz will be highly motivated to secure an opportunity to play in the Test matches in England, especially after a productive period leading up to the series while representing India A. He is working diligently under the guidance of his father, Naushad Khan, aiming to prove his capabilities in overseas Test conditions and solidify his place in the Indian playing XI.
India A squad for England tour:
Abhimanyu Easwaran (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel (VC) (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan (WK), Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Harsh Dubey
Note: Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan will join the squad ahead of the second match