'Sarfaraz Khan doesn’t have a gym body’: Mohammad Kaif makes colossal statement

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has showered rich praise on the rising batting star Sarfaraz Khan following his stellar 150-run knock in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru.

He won a lot of applause for his outstanding innings against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Kaif has always been vocal about Sarfaraz Khan’s inclusion in the Indian cricket team by downplaying the hype around so-called fitness criteria and his physique.

Mohammad Kaif hails Sarfaraz Khan’s brilliance in the Bengaluru Test

The right-handed batter’s gritty knock helped India reduce New Zealand’s first-inning lead and put a face-saving total on the board. However, New Zealand easily chased down the 107 runs on the final day of the game in Bengaluru to take a 1-0 lead against Team India in the ongoing three-match Test series at home on Sunday, October 20.

Well, Kaif slammed those who focus on fitness over talent and strongly stated that Sarfaraz Khan’s cricketing abilities far outweigh any concerns about his physique. The former Indian batter made it clear that fitness alone should not determine Sarfaraz's place in the national team.

Kaif further pointed out that Sarfaraz may not have the gym-sculpted body some expect, but his ability to bat for long hours and deliver under pressure is undeniable. He hailed Sarfaraz’s relentless determination, extraordinary skills, and fighting spirit that he has been proving time and again.

Sarfaraz Khan doesn't have a gym body but can bat for hours: Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif posted on X: “I have always maintained Sarfraz shouldn't be kept out because of fitness. He doesn't have a gym body but can bat for hours. Cricket is a game that accommodates all.”

I have always maintained Sarfraz shouldn't be kept out because of fitness. He doesn't have a gym body but can bat for hours. Cricket is a game that accomodates all. https://t.co/NBpC7ewpO3

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) October 19, 2024

Meanwhile, India’s T20I captain and Mumbai batter Suryakumar Yadav revealed that Sarfaraz Khan has been working on his fitness for India's upcoming tour of Australia. Suryakumar said that Sarfaraz hired the chef recommended by Rishabh Pant to get in shape for the five-match Test series in Australia.

As he gets older, his body will change: Suryakumar Yadav on Sarfaraz Khan

Suryakumar Yadav was quoted as saying by The Indian Express: “Sarfaraz 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. 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."

Sarfaraz has faced criticism regarding his fitness in the past, but Suryakumar believes this perception is unfair. He emphasized that Sarfaraz's body type might be giving the impression of being overweight, but the talented batter has the skill to bat for long periods and score significant runs, including double or triple centuries, and that’s all a team needs.

In the end, Suryakumar revealed that Sarfaraz never skips practice, even on match days. The Indian star revealed that his Mumbai teammate often wakes up early to practice for an hour near his home before joining the team bus and continues to refine his skills by batting again after the match.