Sarfaraz Khan Sheds 10 Kg Ahead of Crucial Test Tour to England: Report

Mumbai's middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan is leaving no stone unturned as he gears up for India's upcoming Test tour of England next month.

The selectors are expected to announce the squad later this week, and Sarfaraz's name is likely to feature, given his consistent presence in the red-ball setup under Rohit Sharma's captaincy.

Sarfaraz, who made a memorable Test debut against England earlier this year in Rajkot, has featured in all four Test series India has played since. With a vital overseas assignment on the horizon, the 26-year-old is channeling his energy into improving both his fitness and batting discipline.

Major Weight Loss and Double Training Routine

According to a report by India Today, Sarfaraz has shed 10 kilograms recently, following a strict diet consisting mainly of boiled vegetables and lean chicken. Known for his natural strokeplay and ability to counter spin, Sarfaraz is now adding another layer to his game - discipline against pace and deliveries outside the off-stump, a crucial requirement for success in English conditions.

He is currently undergoing double training sessions daily, with special attention given to red-ball technique, especially against the moving ball. The intense preparation highlights his intent to cement his place in the Indian Test lineup.

India A Stint Ahead of the England Tour

Before joining the senior squad, Sarfaraz will represent India A in a series of matches in England. He is set to feature in two four-day games against the England Lions starting May 30, followed by a match against the main Indian Test squad from June 13 to 16. These games will serve as a perfect platform for Sarfaraz to adjust to English conditions and push his case further.

The last time Sarfaraz played a competitive match was in December 2024, turning out for the Prime Minister's XI against Australia. Unfortunately, he didn't get a game in the subsequent five-match Test series against Australia and also missed the latter part of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 due to injury.

Adding to his challenges, Sarfaraz went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction and has thus been absent from this year's T20 spectacle - a fact that has allowed him to focus solely on red-ball cricket and regain full fitness.

A Promising Start in Test Cricket

Sarfaraz announced himself on the international stage with a stellar debut in Rajkot on February 15, 2024, scoring 62 in the first innings and following it up with an unbeaten 68 in the second. Though his form dipped slightly in his second Test in Ranchi (14 and 0), he bounced back with a powerful knock of 56 off just 60 balls during the third Test in Dharamsala.

However, his finest performance came later in the year, when he hammered a brilliant 150 in the second innings against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. In his short Test career so far, Sarfaraz has racked up 371 runs in six matches - a promising start for a batter who had long been knocking on the selectors' doors with his domestic performances.

With the five-Test series in England likely to test India's batting depth, Sarfaraz Khan's commitment to fitness, focus, and technical refinement could be just what the team needs. All eyes will be on the squad announcement later this week, but one thing is clear: Sarfaraz is ready for the challenge.