Sarfaraz Khan is leaving no stone unturned in the preparation for India’s much-awaited tour of Australia. In a bid to improve his fitness, the Mumbai batter has got together with a chef recommended by India’s wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. The five-Test series against Australia is going to be a tough contest, and Sarfaraz, who is known for being very determined, wants to make sure that he is at his fittest best.
Suryakumar Yadav Gives Key Update about Sarfaraz’s Fitness
According to India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, Sarfaraz has been churning out efforts to improve his fitness with the help of India’s strength and conditioning coach. Along with that, Pant’s suggested chef has taken charge of Sarfaraz’s diet, ensuring that the batter is well-nourished for this nearly two-month-long series.
“Sarfaraz is working on his fitness with the Indian team strength and conditioning coach, and Rishabh has provided him with a chef who is taking care of his food. The intent is that by the time he reaches the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, his body is in better shape,” Suryakumar Yadav told The Indian Express.
The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy will test not only Sarfaraz’s skills but also his endurance over an extended period. As he prepares to face some of the best bowlers in the world, the focus on fitness will play a crucial role in his performance.
Busting Fitness Myths About Sarfaraz
Sarfaraz Khan has often faced criticism regarding his fitness, with many questioning his ability to cope with the demands of international cricket. However, Suryakumar was quick to dispel such concerns, emphasising Sarfaraz’s commitment and work ethic.
“His body type might make him look fat, but if you ask him to bat 450 balls, score double hundred, triple hundred, daddy hundred, he has that skill,” Suryakumar added. “I have never seen him skipping practice even on match day. He will get up at 5 am, bat near his home, join the team bus, and after the game, go to the ground to bat again.”
Backing from Sunil Gavaskar Against Sarfaraz Khan’s Fat-Shaming
Sarfaraz’s battle with public perception isn’t new. Last year, Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar staunchly defended the young batter against fat-shaming, criticizing the fixation on physical appearance in sports.
“If you are looking for only slim and trim guys, then might as well go to a fashion show,” Gavaskar had said in a statement to India Today. He further explained that cricket fitness matters far more than aesthetics. Gavaskar’s comments highlighted the need for a broader understanding of what being “fit” truly means in a cricketing context.
“Cricket fitness is the most important thing. Yo-Yo Test can’t be the only criterion. You got to make sure that the man is cricket fit as well,” Gavaskar emphasized. His words resonate strongly in a sport that values endurance, skill, and mental toughness as much as physicality.
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