Kevin Pietersen hails Sarfaraz Khan's stunning transformation, takes brutal dig at Prithvi Shaw

Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan has turned heads with his unbelievable transformation, shedding a staggering 17 kilos in just a couple of months and silencing critics who once mocked his fitness. A photo of Sarfaraz Khan’s new avatar went viral on social media on Monday, July 21.

Fans and cricket experts are stunned by Sarfaraz’s chiseled gym look. The once heavily criticized Mumbai batter is now being praised for his sheer determination and discipline to raise his fitness standards as per the needs of the modern era of cricket.

Kevin Pietersen hails Sarfaraz Khan, takes a brutal dig at Prithvi Shaw in viral post

But the biggest reaction came from former England superstar Kevin Pietersen. While showering rich praise on Sarfaraz Khan for his hard work, Pietersen didn’t miss the chance to fire a brutal shot at struggling Indian batter Prithvi Shaw, who has been slammed for his poor fitness for a long time.

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Pietersen said that Sarfaraz has proven that a strong body and a strong mind can change everything. His incredible transformation comes just after Sarfaraz was ignored for the England tour.

Sharing an X post on his official handle, Kevin Pietersen said in praise of Sarfaraz, “Outstanding effort, young man! Huge congrats, and I’m sure it’s going to lead to better and more consistent performances on the field. I love the time you’ve spent reorganizing your priorities! LFG! 🚀”

'Strong body, strong mind'

The Englishman suggested Shaw should learn a thing or two from Sarfaraz’s inspiring journey. Pietersen further said in his X post, “Can someone show Prithvi this please? It can be done! Strong body, strong mind!”

Outstanding effort, young man! Huge congrats and I’m sure it’s going to lead to better and more consistent performances on the field. I love the time you’ve spent reorganising your priorities!
LFG! 🚀
Can someone show Prithvi this please?
It can be done!
Strong body, strong… https://t.co/U6KbUXlfVf

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) July 21, 2025

Prithvi Shaw is fighting for survival

Meanwhile, Prithvi Shaw’s career has taken a downward spiral. Once hailed as India’s next batting prodigy, he is now fighting to stay in the competition. The 25-year-old opener was dropped from the Mumbai team for the 2024/25 season due to ongoing fitness concerns.

He lost his spot in the Ranji Trophy squad at the start of the season, and although he returned briefly for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he was once again left out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy team. To make matters worse, Shaw went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega-auction.

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Shaw, who last played for India in 2021, has been facing multiple setbacks, including issues with fitness and discipline. In a recent interview, he admitted that he’s a foodie, due to which he struggles to maintain his fitness. Shaw has now shifted base from Mumbai, and he will start a fresh journey with Maharashtra in the upcoming domestic season.

Sarfaraz Khan's rollercoaster ride

Speaking about Sarfaraz Khan, the right-handed batter has impressed everyone with his batting brilliance both in domestic cricket and in his brief stint with the Indian Test team. After scoring heavily in the domestic circuit for years, he finally earned his Test debut in 2024 at home.

But after a few poor outings, the Mumbaikar was shown the door. In just six Test matches, Sarfaraz has scored 371 runs at an average above 37, including a brilliant 150-run knock, one century, and three fifties to his name. He was not picked for the ongoing Test series in England. But before the Test series, Sarfaraz was a part of the India A team during the unofficial Test series.