Sarfaraz Khan’s Transformation: 10 Kgs Lighter and Ready to Conquer England
Sarfaraz Khan is on a mission. The Mumbai-born cricketer, known for his explosive batting in domestic cricket, is making headlines again—not just for his runs, but for a stunning physical transformation. With India’s Test tour of England looming, the 27-year-old has shed 10 kilograms in just six weeks, trading biryani for boiled veggies and hitting the gym with a vengeance. Here’s how Sarfaraz is gearing up to make his mark in the swinging conditions of England, and why this could be his big moment.
A Leaner, Meaner Sarfaraz
Sarfaraz has always been a run-machine in domestic cricket, piling up 2,466 runs in the last three Ranji Trophy seasons. But despite his Test debut against England in 2024 and a brilliant 150 against New Zealand in Bengaluru, he’s faced hurdles breaking into India’s Test XI consistently, especially overseas. A rib injury kept him out of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, and past criticism about his fitness didn’t help. Now, he’s tackling those doubts head-on.
According to India Today, Sarfaraz has lost 10 kgs through a disciplined diet and grueling training regimen, all in preparation for India’s five-Test series against England, starting June 20, 2025. His inclusion in the India A squad for two unofficial Tests against England Lions (May 30–June 2 in Canterbury and June 6–9 in Northampton) is his chance to shine. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Test cricket, two spots are up for grabs in India’s batting lineup, and Sarfaraz is determined to claim one.
The Toss-Up: A Chance to Shine
While the England Test series squad is yet to be announced, Sarfaraz’s selection for India A is a golden opportunity. The team, captained by Abhimanyu Easwaran with Dhruv Jurel as vice-captain, includes heavyweights like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Sarfaraz will need to stand out in the two four-day matches against England Lions and an intra-squad game against the senior India Test team (June 13–16 in Beckenham). A strong showing could lock in his spot for the main series, part of the ICC World Test Championship.
The toss in these matches will be critical. England’s pitches, especially early in the summer, can be bowler-friendly, with swing and seam movement. Captains often prefer to bowl first to exploit morning conditions, so Sarfaraz’s training focus on leaving balls outside the off-stump could be a game-changer.
Man of the Moment: Sarfaraz’s Test Record
In his six Test matches so far, Sarfaraz has scored 371 runs at an average of 37.10, with one century (150 vs. New Zealand) and three fifties. His debut against England in Rajkot was electric—62 and an unbeaten 68—showing he can handle international bowling. But a lean patch in Ranchi (14 and 0) and missing out on Australia’s tour highlighted the need for consistency. His recent fitness push and technical tweaks suggest he’s ready to step up.
Best Performers: Diet and Discipline
Best Scorer: Sarfaraz’s Batting Focus
Sarfaraz’s training is laser-focused on England’s challenging conditions. He’s been practicing twice a day at Mumbai’s Cross Maidan and the Mumbai Cricket Association’s BKC facility, facing 300–500 swing balls daily to master discipline outside the off-stump. This is crucial for England, where bowlers like James Anderson thrive on tempting batters into loose shots. His father, Naushad Khan, has been by his side, guiding him through every step.
Best Bowler: The Fitness Edge
While Sarfaraz isn’t a bowler, his fitness transformation is his biggest weapon. He’s swapped his beloved chicken and mutton biryani for a strict diet of boiled vegetables, grilled chicken, fish, mushrooms, baby corn, and salads. No rice, no rotis, and even black coffee is out—green tea is his new go-to. Naushad told the Times of India that the entire family is on a “weight-losing mission,” with Sarfaraz jogging, swimming for 30 minutes, and hitting the gym for an hour six days a week. This dedication has already shaved off 10 kgs, and he’s aiming to lose more.
The Family Factor
This isn’t just Sarfaraz’s journey—his family is all in. Naushad, a former cricketer himself, has lost 12 kgs to delay a knee replacement, inspired by his son’s commitment. Sarfaraz’s younger brother, Musheer Khan, a Punjab Kings all-rounder, is also part of the fitness drive. The Khans start their day at 5:30 AM, with Sarfaraz batting against red balls, followed by fielding drills and running. After a break, he’s back on an artificial turf at home, facing swing deliveries. Evenings are for gym sessions or extra batting, showing a work ethic that’s hard to match.
Points Table: India A’s Chance to Shine
While the IPL 2025 points table doesn’t directly affect Sarfaraz (he went unsold at the mega auction), it’s given him uninterrupted time to focus on red-ball cricket. The India A squad’s tour is a mini points table of its own—performances here will determine who makes the senior team. Sarfaraz’s competitors include Karun Nair, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, but his 10-kg transformation and domestic pedigree (career first-class average of 79.65) make him a strong contender.
- India A Squad Status:
- Key Players: Abhimanyu Easwaran (C), Dhruv Jurel (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Matches: Two unofficial Tests vs. England Lions, one intra-squad game
- Goal: Secure a spot in India’s Test XI for the England series
- Net Run Rate (Figurative): Sarfaraz’s fitness and form give him a +1 edge in the race for selection.
Why This Matters
Sarfaraz’s transformation isn’t just about shedding weight—it’s about silencing critics. In 2023, BCCI sources cited his “below-par fitness” and “off-field conduct” as reasons for his exclusion, despite Sunil Gavaskar’s vocal defense. Now, with a leaner frame and a disciplined approach, Sarfaraz is proving he belongs. Posts on X highlight the buzz, with fans praising his dedication: “Kudos to Sarfaraz Khan for not giving up and answering critics with bat” (@64MohsinKamal).
All eyes are on the India A tour, starting May 30. If Sarfaraz can translate his fitness and form into runs against England Lions, he could be walking out at Lord’s or Headingley. The selectors are expected to announce the senior Test squad soon, and with two batting slots open, Sarfaraz’s name is likely to feature. His journey from “too fat” to “toned” is a testament to his hunger for success. Will he seize this chance to become India’s next Test star? Only time—and runs—will tell.
