Sarfaraz Khan Aims for Test Comeback After Impressive Fitness Transformation

Sarfaraz Khan, the Indian Test cricketer, is on a mission to return to the national team after being excluded from the recent series against England. Following a remarkable weight loss of 17 kilograms, he is participating in the Kanga League to showcase his skills. With impressive performances, including a recent 61-run innings, Sarfaraz aims to inspire other cricketers while drawing motivation from legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar. His journey reflects dedication and a strong desire to reclaim his spot in the Test squad.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 11, 2025, 17:28 IST

Sarfaraz Khan's Journey Back to Test Cricket

Indian Test cricketer Sarfaraz Khan is determined to return to the national team after being left out of the recent five-match series against England. The series concluded with a thrilling six-run victory for the Shubman Gill-led squad in the fifth Test at The Oval.

Sarfaraz's last match for India was against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Although he was selected for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he did not get the chance to play, despite having made a memorable Test debut against England at home and scoring his first international century against New Zealand in Bengaluru.

Remarkable Fitness Transformation

During his absence from the Indian squad, Sarfaraz Khan underwent a significant fitness transformation, shedding 17 kilograms, reducing his weight from 90-95 kg to 73-78 kg. This impressive change has garnered attention on social media, with fans amazed by his dedication to fitness and readiness for a strong return to Test cricket.

Preparing for a Comeback in the Kanga League

To prepare for his comeback, Sarfaraz is participating in the Kanga League, a prestigious cricket tournament in Mumbai held during the monsoon season from July to October. In his recent match during Round 4, he showcased his aggressive batting style, scoring 61 runs off 42 balls for Parkophone Cricketers against Islam Gymkhana. Despite arriving just 30 minutes before the match, he displayed remarkable focus and energy.

In the same round, his younger brother Musheer Khan also excelled, scoring 84 runs for Payyade Sports Club against Kandivili Cricket Association.

Legacy of the Kanga League

Sarfaraz Khan expressed pride in participating in the Kanga League, recalling stories from his father, Naushad Khan, about cricket legends like Sunil Gavaskar. He fondly remembered his first century in the tournament back in 2018.

He stated, "Musheer and I have always taken pride in playing this tournament. I was excited to see my name in the league fixture book for scoring a century in 2018."

Inspiration from Cricket Legends

Taking inspiration from cricket icons Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar, Sarfaraz encouraged other Mumbai cricketers to participate in the Kanga League, emphasizing its role as a nurturing ground for local talent. He remarked, "If big players participate in this tournament, it will inspire the city's youngsters. Success here can lead to runs scored anywhere in the world."

Recent Performances and Stats

Sarfaraz Khan recently played for India A in an unofficial Test against England Lions, scoring 92 runs. He also impressed in an intra-squad match for India A, scoring 101 runs off 76 balls. In his Test career, he has accumulated 371 runs, including one century and three fifties, with an average of 37.10 across six matches. His only century came against New Zealand at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where he scored 150 runs in the second innings.