The high-stakes India vs England five match Test series is right around the corner. And as the Indian team gears up for the tour, Sarfaraz Khan is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation. The Mumbai batter is training rigorously with his eyes set on English conditions. The 27-year-old’s day begins at 5 am, where he begins an early morning session at the Karanataka Cricket Ground, cross Maidan. He spends almost 30 minutes on endurance running, which is then followed by two hours of red-ball practice on a lush green wicket that replicate the seaming conditions expected in the UK.
Apart from his morning sessions, he continues batting drills in the evening. His weekly schedule is meticulously planned, with fielding practice reserved for Mondays, while batting practice is set from Tuesday to Saturday. He also alternates gym sessions with fielding and technical training.
One of the most important parts of his training has been facing new cherry-red balls every day. His father Naushad Khan makes him practice with 3 new balls. Which helps Sarfaraz acclimatise to pronounced swing and seam conditions expected overseas. He also focuses on leaving deliveries outside the off-stumps and tackles the moving ball.
Sarfaraz’s entire family turns up for the practice session with his father as a key guiding figure and his brother also by his side. Sarfaraz is also coming off a remarkable fitness transformation. After a recent injury that set him back, he has lost almost 10-12 kgs over a span of one and a half months. Sarfaraz looks hungry for success and ready for the challenge that England presents.