Sarfaraz Khan’s 17kg weight loss is the comeback story every cricketer should know of

Sarfaraz Khan's diet: How did the cricketer shed 17 kgs in two months

Sarfaraz Khan has always been considered one of the most prolific players for India in domestic red-ball cricket, knocking 100s after 100s in the Ranji Trophy and making his presence felt year after year. For everything that Sarfaraz has achieved, it's long seemed that a permanent place on the Test side has been out of his reach.

In his case, this was partially due to the one aspect of his game that has long been discussed - more than his batting average - his fitness. At 26, Sarfaraz has not only put an end to those criticisms by sheer volume of runs coming from his bat, but Sarfaraz has transformed his body.

After a promising 17kg weight loss at the end of the SA20 franchise tournament - which he believes is a game changer for him in changing his game, and health, on his own terms.

Also read | Check Sarfaraz Khan's diet: How did the cricketer shed 17 kgs in two months?

Despite his much-anticipated Test debut against England in February last year, Sarfaraz has yet to secure his place in the Indian side. He infamously missed the side this summer, for the current Test series, and many speculated it was due to fitness issues. However, Sarfaraz's recent social media post, featuring his latest gym selfies with new muscles, could create a different narrative; a narrative of grit, determination and self-betterment.

Says Dr Anuj Bansal, a Delhi-based sport and fitness coach, "Sarfraz has done something more than cosmetic. Don't say losing 17 kilos while playing and performing as a batter is not an achievement. To lose 17 kilos, you have had to blend discipline with strength training, cardiovascular conditioning and eating right. Sarfaraz showed that cricketing ability and fitness must be synonymous, and that is especially true in today's era of Test cricket.

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Sarfaraz’s fans were quick to praise his efforts and filled his post with praise with comments such as "champion's comeback". In the world of elite sport, with the noise of criticism often louder than praise, Sarfaraz's physical metamorphoses has perhaps not only achieved a health goal but significant not for the selectors and stakeholders.

Even established cricketers such as Harbhajan Singh were vocal about the fact that Sarfaraz was being treated unfairly. "I was a little surprised that his name was not included in the squad. He definitely has the mentality to come back and I know he will. Think of Karun Nair-- he scored a triple hundred and then went off the limelight. But now he is back on the stage. Sarfaraz will need the same to happen.

After a disappointing tour to Australia and then being out of favour in the national setup, many would have felt that Sarfaraz was done and dusted with the Indian side. However, that did not happen with a dramatic turnaround in his fitness and performance eventually being the telling factor.

Sarfaraz's story is a good lesson for young cricketers and all sports persons really, that in an environment full of competition talent alone will only take you so far. Physical conditioning, mental toughness, and the ability to reinvent yourself all play just as vital a role.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.