Sarfaraz Khan, a Team India batter, has been dominating the headlines with photos of his astonishing physical change, which has left fans astounded since this morning (July 21). Over the previous ten years, the gifted 27-year-old has suffered from various fitness-related problems.
Sarfaraz made a similar fitness change five years ago, after which he thanked ace batsman Virat Kohli. In 2015, the Mumbai batsman made his IPL debut with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) under Kohli.
He was released from the team after three seasons, though, and joined the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2019.
Sarfaraz discussed what Kohli said to him during his incredible run in the 2019–20 Ranji season, stating (via Times Now):
“I felt good not just about my improved fitness but because it helped me score runs and get a lead. At one point, all my team-mates used to call me ‘panda’ because I used to eat a lot. Now, they’ve started calling me ‘macho’. Actually, very few people know it’s my nickname now.”
Sarfaraz Khan
He added:
“I was dropped at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2016 because of my fitness. Virat Kohli told me straightaway while there were no doubts over my skills, my fitness was not letting me get to the next level. He was very honest with me about where I was.”
Sarfaraz Khan
Despite his struggles in the IPL, the youngster has continued to score runs in first-class cricket. In the last two IPL seasons, he has not been sold; his most recent participation was with the Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2023.
Sarfaraz Khan excluded from India’s Test side for ENG vs IND 2025 series
Sarfaraz Khan’s goal came true at the beginning of last year when he made his debut for India in the home Test series against England. In his debut, the 27-year-old helped India win by 434 runs with twin half-centuries at Rajkot.
The right-hander played the next two England Tests and hit another half-century in the series decider, which India won 4-1. In October of last year, Sarfaraz struck his first Test century in the first game of the home series against New Zealand.
The Mumbai batsman however failed to perform the rest of the series with just 21 runs in four innings, as India was humiliated 0-3 whitewashed. At Lord Tavare, the 27-year-old made it to the Indian team in the next tour to Australia but failed to play a single match in the line-up where India lost 1-3.
He has been sacked by Indian team on their current tour in England which they are now behind by 1-2 after three matches.
