IND vs AUS: Rishabh Pant behind Sarfaraz Khan for Border-Gavaskar Trophy claims India captain

India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is not only helping his team through his performances on the field but off the field as well. Recently Pant has been helping his India teammate Sarfaraz Khan to improve his overall fitness for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia later this year.

The news was confirmed by India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. Suryakumar revealed the status of Sarfaraz's current fitness and how Pant is helping him to be in better shape ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

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Rishabh Pant is providing support to Sarfaraz Khan - Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav lauded Sarfaraz Khan's excellent maiden international hundreed and also spoke about his fitness. Surya claimed that Rishabh Pant has provided Sarfaraz Khan a chef who is taking care of his diet so that he can be in his best shape for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“Sarfaraz (Khan) is working on his fitness with the Indian team strength and conditioning coach, and Rishabh (Pant) has provided him with a chef who is taking care of his food. The intent is that by the time he reaches the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, his body is in better shape," Suryakumar was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

"Fitness is important in this sport. As he gets older, his body will change. He is working hard now; he will be fine in the future,” he added.

Sarfaraz Khan scored his maiden international hundred in the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand. It was a magnificent hundred from the youngster who played some eye-catching shots during his knock.

Suryakumar Yadav speaks on Sarfaraz Khan's ability to score big hundreds

Suryakumar Yadav further hailed Sarfaraz Khan for his ability to play a long innings despite not looking in the best possible shape. He revealed how Sarfaraz prepares himself before a game and his hard-working attitude.

“His body type might make him look fat, but if you ask him to bat 450 balls and score double hundred, triple hundred, and Daddy hundred, he has that skill. I think the team has a similar demand to make big hundreds, play game-changing knocks… I have never seen him skipping practice, even on match day." Surya noted.

"If there is a game, he will get up at 5 am, bat for one hour near his home, and then join the team bus. After the game, he will go to the nearby ground and bat again,” he added.

Sarfaraz Khan scores maiden Test hundred

Sarfaraz Khan played an excellent innings of 150 off 195 balls with 18 fours and 3 sixes. His innings helped India get out of huge trouble and brought them back into the match. He played this innings under immense pressure and showed excellent temperament.

Sarfaraz's innings was full of attacking shots and aggressive intent which put the New Zealand bowlers on the back foot. He had crucial partnerships with Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant during this knock.

However, his brilliant innings was not enough for his team as India lost the match to New Zealand by 8 wickets. The visitors now lead the Test series 1-0 with two more matches to go.