After making his debut within the India-England Take a look at collection in February, Indian home run-scoring stalwart Sarfaraz Khan hasn’t performed a aggressive match in 5 months. The 26-year-old batter final performed within the fifth and last Take a look at of the collection, the place he scored 56 off simply 60 balls in India’s solely innings. Sarfaraz – who had a protracted wait earlier than his Take a look at debut – is not assured a middle-order slot for India, as Virat Kohli and KL Rahul are set to return. But, the batsman has stored up a gruelling follow routine, and goals to get among the many runs within the ongoing Buchi Babu cricket event.
“There may be nothing referred to as low season for me,” mentioned Sarfaraz to The Indian Specific, talking about his health regime. “I’d get up by 4.15 am and by 4.30 am, I’ll begin the day with long-distance working. It was very useful to enhance my health as a result of by the tip of the month, I used to be capable of run 5 km in half an hour.
“…as soon as I am finished with my working, I’d hit the gymnasium. So the primary half of the day was allotted for health and fielding drills. The batting half would start within the night,” elaborated Sarfaraz.
Sarfaraz got here underneath widespread criticism for his cumbersome determine and health considerations forward of his choice, however shortly put the doubts to mattress, as he piled up 200 runs in his first three Checks.
With India’s World Take a look at Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle persevering with with two Checks in opposition to Bangladesh in September, a spot within the XI just isn’t assured. Nonetheless, Sarfaraz is able to put within the arduous yards first. Sarfaraz is representing Mumbai within the Buchi Babu Invitation Cricket Event 2024, earlier than he performs for India B within the rebranded Duleep Trophy.
Sarfaraz defined why getting match follow is extra vital for him.
” I’ve not had this stage of follow in Mumbai due to the rains. You might be simply dealing with a bowling machine, side-arm throwers or generally bowlers in indoor services. However I do not like batting indoors as a result of the ball comes properly onto the bat. It isn’t the case on turf as a result of it’ll problem you numerous,” mentioned Sarfaraz.
Having needed to wait until February 2024 to make his Take a look at debut regardless of averaging almost 70 in first-class cricket, Sarfaraz has maintained that he heads into video games with no expectations.
“I’ve zero expectations… However I will be prepared if the chance arises. That’s what I have been doing all alongside and I do not see any purpose to vary that,” he mentioned.
(Aside from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is printed from a syndicated feed.)
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