Sarfaraz Khan Remains Grounded Ahead of India vs Bangladesh Tests
3 min read
For Sarfaraz Khan, the months of February and March were nothing less than a dream. Sarfaraz, one of the most charming tales in Indian cricket history, made his much awaited debut for the team and struck an instant explosive 62. Before Ravindra Jadeja’s run-out ended Sarfaraz’s innings, he appeared to be headed for a century. Nevertheless, he responded with two more strong innings: 56 in the Dharamsala Test and 68 not out in the second.
But as of March 7, 2024, that is still Sarfaraz’s final competitive match of any kind. Even though Sarfaraz took a break from First-Class cricket for more than five months, he still had a lot of work ahead of him. To prepare for representing Mumbai in the Buchi Babu event, the 26-year-old has been working out hard and losing weight. Sarfaraz started his behind-the-scenes operation in the off-season, returning to his hometown village in Uttar Pradesh, which has helped him become much more nimble, fitter, and slimmer.
For me, there is no such thing as the “off-season.” I would get up at 4.15 am and begin my long-distance running routine by 4.30 am. By the end of the month, I was able to run 5 km in 30–31 minutes, which demonstrated how beneficial it was to increase my fitness, Sarfaraz told Indian Express.
I made it my top priority, and together with his father Naushad, we devised a strategy. Therefore, after my run, I would go to the gym. Thus, fielding and fitness drills took up the early part of the day. In the evening, the hitting portion would start.”
In the third Test match at Rajkot against England, Sarfaraz replaced the injured Shreyas Iyer in the middle order. However, the Sarfaraz-Mania went into a bit of a hibernation state as India’s attention shifted to the IPL and then the T20 World Cup. Yet Sarfaraz wants to make the most of it now that the Indian Test season is about to resume with a bang. Even if KL Rahul and Iyer are back in the picture, he may no longer be a lock, but Sarfaraz isn’t going to let it slide. While he isn’t getting ahead of himself and doesn’t have high hopes for the Bangladesh series, which begins on September 19, he is also not taking anything to chance.
I do not have the Bangladesh series open. But I have to be prepared and follow the procedure. For me, playing matches is really crucial. Because of the rains in Mumbai, I haven’t had this much practice. All you have to deal with is a bowling machine, sidearm throwers, or occasionally bowlers in indoor venues. The ball comes into the bat wonderfully inside, which is why I dislike hitting indoors. On grass, however, this is not the case because you will face several challenges. And the only way to get better is to practice a lot,” Sarfaraz continued.
I don’t have any expectations. But if the chance comes, I’ll be prepared. I’ve been doing it my entire life, and I don’t see any need to change.”
