Sarfaraz Khan https://www.cricketwinner.com Sarfaraz Khan Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:02:12 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html https://github.com/jpmonette/feed en Copyright © 2024 Cricket Winner. All Rights Reserved. <![CDATA[Buchi Babu Trophy 2025 Round 1: All Scores from Day 3]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/buchi-babu-trophy-2025-round-1-all-scores-from-day-3/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/buchi-babu-trophy-2025-round-1-all-scores-from-day-3/ Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:40:53 GMT

On the second day of the Buchi Babu Trophy 2025 in the first round in Chennai, Prithvi Shaw celebrated a fine century while the Chennai Super Kings’ captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, failed for just one run. Kolkata Knight Riders and India’s T20I batter, Ramandeep Singh, also smashed a fine, fiery century knock. Such excellent knocks continued on the third day as teams earned their respective wins.

Bengal lost their way in the chase as Nishant Sindhu earned a fine five-wicket haul while the Mumbai captain, Ayush Mhatre, dismissed Shahrukh Khan. Jammu and Kashmir, who will be boosted with the presence of Umran Malik from the second round, earned a nine-wicket win.

See Also: [WATCH] Hardik Pandya's net practice video against Jasprit Bumrah goes viral during IPL 2025

Tushar Raheja smashed a well-compiled century as Baroda’s Nitya Pandya and Mohit Mongia notched up half-centuries. Their spinner, Pradip Yadav, also got a five-wicket haul.

Buchi Babu Trophy 2025 Round 1: All Scores from Day 3

Sarfaraz Khan, who got a century in the first innings, failed in the second for 36 runs. M Siddharth took five wickets. Sarfaraz batted at number seven in the line-up and smashed 36 runs in 35 balls. Prithvi Shaw, another first-innings centurion, departed early.

Vicky Ostwal got a five-wicket haul while Hyderabad got their lead after their number 10 batter, Aniketh Reddy, smashed 33 runs in 54 balls.

Buchi Babu Trophy 2025 Round 1: All Scores from Day 3

JHARKHAND 176 (45.1 ov) & 212 (39.0 ov)

MP 317-6 (90.0 ov) & 74-2 (18.3 ov)

MP won by nine wickets

TNCA PRESIDENT'S XI 274 (67.4 ov) & 246-5 (45.0 ov)

HIMACHAL PRADESH 214 (60.3 ov) & 110 (26.1 ov)

TNCA PRESIDENT'S XI won by 196 runs

JAMMU AND KASHMIR 393-5 (90.0 ov) & 69-1 (19.0 ov)

RAILWAYS 221-8 (90.0 ov) & 238-9 (45.0 ov)

JAMMU AND KASHMIR won by nine wickets

CHHATTISGARH 252 (89.3 ov) & 149 (43.3 ov)

MAHARASHTRA 217 (73.0 ov) & 149 (43.5 ov)

CHHATTISGARH won by 35 runs

HARYANA 415-9 (90.0 ov) & 230 (44.2 ov)

BENGAL 381 (88.4 ov) & 164 (38.1 ov)

HARYANA won by 100 runs

MUMBAI 412-5 (90.0 ov) & 178 (44.1 ov)

TNCA XI 325-5 (90.0 ov) & 268-8 (44.1 ov)

TNCA XI won by two wickets

BARODA 381-6 (90.0 ov) & 256 (44.4 ov)

ODISHA 352 (89.5 ov) & 172 (36.4 ov)

BARODA won by 113 runs

PUNJAB 348-5 (90.0 ov) & 298-8 dec (39.5 ov)

HYDERABAD 355-7 (90.0 ov) & 294-6 (41.0 ov)

HYDERABAD won by four wickets

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<![CDATA[Buchi Babu Trophy 2025 Round 1: All scores from Day 1]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/buchi-babu-trophy-2025-round-1-all-scores-from-day-1/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/buchi-babu-trophy-2025-round-1-all-scores-from-day-1/ Mon, 18 Aug 2025 18:20:47 GMT

The invitational competition, named Buchi Babu Tournament, began as a memorial event in 1909/10. For many years, it has served as a great chance for the players to feature in the game ahead of the domestic season 2024-25. In 2023, it returned after a six-year gap. On the opening day of the event, several national players participated in the competition.

Sarfaraz Khan, the middle-order batter of the Indian side, was ignored from the selection of the BGT 2024-25 and the five-match Test series in England last month despite his 150 in Bengaluru against New Zealand in the second innings of the opening game.

See Also: "Doesn't happen by..."- Former India star shares suggestion for Shubman Gill ahead of Asia Cup 2025

All three three-day games are scheduled to be played from August 18 to 20.  TNCA President’s XI took on HPCA at the Goja College A Ground while TNCA XI faced Mumbai at the nearly ground. Chhattisgarh locked horns with Maharashtra in Gurunanak College, while Jammu and Kashmir met Indian Railways. Odisha came against Baroda in CPT IP while AM Jain College hosted the game between Hayana and Bengal.

Buchi Babu Trophy 2025 Round 1: All scores from Day 1

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was ruled out after the first two weeks of the IPL, has returned to the action and picked up a wicket with his rare off-spin bowling. Agitesh G smacked an unbeaten knock of 71 runs in 89 balls for TNCA President’s XI as they recovered to 256/9 from 185/8. Prabhsimran Singh celebrated a fifty.

Haryana’s number nine batter, Ajay Singh, drilled a fine fifty in just 28 balls to shoulder them to 415/9. Madhya Pradesh’s teenager, Rohit Rajawat, the 19-year-old off-spinner, finished with 5/49 against Jharkhand, who were bowled out for just 176. Shubman Gill’s U-19 batchmate, Himanshu Rana, recorded a fine century. Mumbai’s two openers, captain Ayush Mhatre and Musheer Khan, couldn’t contribute much.

Buchi Babu Trophy 2025 Round 1: All scores from Day 1 stumps

TNCA President's XI 256-9 vs Himachal Pradesh

Mumbai 376-5 vs TNCA XI

Chhattisgarh 252 all out vs Maharashtra

J&K 393-5 vs Railways

Baroda 381-6 vs Odisha

Haryana 415-9 vs Bengal

Punjab 187-4 vs Hyderabad

Jharkhand 176 vs MP 60-0

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<![CDATA[Sarfaraz Khan makes huge statement with century in Buchi Babu Trophy 2025]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/sarfaraz-khan-makes-huge-statement-with-century-in-buchi-babu-trophy-2025/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/sarfaraz-khan-makes-huge-statement-with-century-in-buchi-babu-trophy-2025/ Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:02:07 GMT

Sarfaraz Khan smashed a fine knock of 150 during the three-match home Test series against New Zealand in the second innings at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Despite that incredible performance, he was omitted from the national side for the following five-match Test series of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25.

Sarfaraz played a couple of India A games against the England Lions just before the start of the recently concluded five-match red-ball series against England. Even after celebrating a century in that encounter, he was ignored by the selection committee, which came as a huge surprise. Now, he has again knocked on the door during the Buchi Babu event before the beginning of the domestic season.

See Also: Jasprit Bumrah to be rested for Asia Cup 2025? Former India captain sparks debate

The right-handed batter slammed a fine century on the opening day of the competition against Mumbai in the clash against TNCA XI. He made his bat talk again, recording a 92-ball century after coming out to bat in the toughest situation. Mumbai found themselves 98/3 when Sarfaraz walked into the middle with the bat.

Sarfaraz Khan celebrates century to send roaring message during Buchi Babu Trophy 2025

Sarfaraz took the opposition bowlers from the word go and kept going with the same rhythm and attacking mindset. From coming out to bat in the 33rd over of the innings, Khan was able to notch up the ton in the next 31 overs. He made the headlines a few days ago after losing 17 kgs in the last two months.

Sarfaraz Khan has currently smacked 371 runs in 11 innings at an average of 37.10 and a strike rate of nearly 75, scoring three half-centuries and one century at the best score of 150. In the first-class format, the 27-year-old has clubbed 4685 runs in 83 innings at an average of 66 and a strike rate of more than 71, registering 15 half-centuries and 16 centuries at the best score of unbeaten 301 runs.

His fitness contributed immensely to adding more runs in the tally through singles, even after getting 100 in the ongoing Buchi Babu Trophy. Mumbai’s captain, Ayush Mhatre, and Musheer Khan failed to make an impact. The duo got 13 and 30 runs respectively, while the number three batter, Suved Parker, scored a decent 72 runs.

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<![CDATA[Buchi Babu Trophy 2025: Live streaming details, Full schedule and squads information]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/buchi-babu-trophy-2025-live-streaming-details-full-schedule-and-squads-information/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/buchi-babu-trophy-2025-live-streaming-details-full-schedule-and-squads-information/ Fri, 15 Aug 2025 16:27:41 GMT

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) will conduct the All India Buchi Babu Invitational Cricket Tournament 2025 from August 18 to September 9. The event was first held in the season of 1909/10 and is named for Mothavarapu Venkata Mahipathi Naidu who was recognised as the father of cricket in Tamil Nadu. After a 12 year break, the tournament returned last year.

This year will see 14 teams competing along with two teams that are selected by the TNCA, called President's XI and TNCA XI. The matches will be played at different venues in Chennai, and the champions will receive ₹3 lakh prize money while the runners up will receive ₹2 lakh.

See Also: Why Akash Deep’s new dream car sparked a registration controversy?

 

Buchi Babu Invitational Cricket Tournament 2025 Format

  • The competition will see 16 teams divided into four groups of four. Each side will face the other three teams in their group once.
  • League-stage matches will span three days. In the first innings, each team will have 90 overs, while the second innings will be restricted to 45 overs per side.
  • Knockout fixtures will be four-day contests, with each innings consisting of 90 overs. The winner of each group will progress to the semifinals.

Buchi Babu Invitational Cricket Tournament 2025: Live Streaming Details

All matches of the All India Buchi Babu Invitational Cricket Tournament 2025 will be streamed live on the official TNCA YouTube channel.

Buchi Babu Invitational Cricket Tournament 2025 Groups

Group A: TNCA President’s XI, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra
Group B: Railways, Jammu & Kashmir, Baroda, Odisha
Group C: TNCA XI, Mumbai, Haryana, Bengal
Group D: Hyderabad, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand

Buchi Babu Invitational Cricket Tournament 2025 Schedule

Round 1 (August 18 to 20)

  • TNCA President’s XI vs HPCA – Gojan College A Ground

  • TNCA XI vs Mumbai – Gojan College B Ground

  • Chhattisgarh vs Maharashtra – Gurunanak College

  • Jammu & Kashmir vs Indian Railways – MRF-Pachiyappa’s

  • Odisha vs Baroda – CPT IP

  • Haryana vs Bengal – AM Jain College

  • MPCA vs Jharkhand – SRM College

  • Hyderabad vs Punjab – Murugappa Ground

Round 2 (August 22 to 24)

  • TNCA XI vs Haryana – Gojan College A Ground

  • TNCA President’s XI vs Maharashtra – Gojan College B Ground

  • Hyderabad vs Jharkhand – Gurunanak College

  • Punjab vs MPCA – MRF-Pachiyappa’s

  • Chhattisgarh vs HPCA – SSN College

  • Jammu & Kashmir vs Baroda – Murugappa Ground

  • Mumbai vs Bengal – IIT Madras

  • Indian Railways vs Odisha – SRM College

Round 3 (August 26 to 28)

  • TNCA President’s XI vs Chhattisgarh – Gojan College A Ground

  • TNCA XI vs Bengal – Gojan College B Ground

  • Mumbai vs Haryana – MRF-Pachiyappa’s

  • Indian Railways vs Baroda – Gurunanak College

  • Hyderabad vs MPCA – AM Jain College

  • Punjab vs Jharkhand – CPT IP

  • Jammu & Kashmir vs Odisha – SSN College

  • Maharashtra vs HPCA – Murugappa Ground

Semifinals (August 31 to September 3)

  • Winner Group A vs Winner Group B

  • Winner Group C vs Winner Group D

Final (September 6 to 9)

  • Venues for the knockout stages will be announced later.

Buchi Babu Invitational Cricket Tournament 2025 Squads

Maharashtra: Ankit Bawane (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw, Siddhesh Veer, Sachin Dhas, Arshin Kulkarni, Harshal Kate, Siddharth Mhatre, Saurabh Nawale (wk), Mandar Bhandari (wk), Ramakrishna Ghosh, Mukesh Choudhary, Pradeep Dadhe, Vicky Ostwal, Hitesh Walunj, Prashant Solanki, Rajvardhan Hangargekar

Mumbai: Ayush Mhatre (c), Musheer Khan, Divyansh Saxena, Sarfaraz Khan, Suved Parker (vc), Pragnesh Kanpillewar, Harsh Aghav, Sairaj Patil, Aakash Parkar, Aakash Anand (wk), Hardik Tamore (wk), Shreyas Gurav, Yash Dicholkar, Himanshu Singh, Roystan Dias, Sylvester D’souza, Irfan Umair

TNCA President’s XI: Pradosh Ranjan Paul (c), C. Andre Siddarth (vc), B. Indrajith, Vijay Shankar, R. Vimal Khumar, S. Radhakrishnan, S. Lokeshwar, G. Ajitesh, J. Hemchudeshan, R.S. Ambrish, C.V. Achyuth, H. Trilok Nag, P. Saravana Kumar, P. Vidyuth, K. Abhinav

TNCA XI: M. Shahrukh Khan (c), Boopathi Vaishna Kumar (vc), B. Sachin, M. Siddharth, Tushar Raheja, Kiran Karthikeyan, S. Mohamed Ali, S. Rithik Easwaran, S.R. Athish, S. Lakshay Jain, D.T. Chandrasekar, P. Vignesh, R. Sonu Yadav, D. Deepesh, J. Prem Kumar, A. Esakkimuthu, T.D. Lokesh Raj

Jammu & Kashmir: Qamran Iqbal, Vivrant Sharma, Paras Dogra, Yawer Hassan, Abdul Samad, Musaif Ajaz, Kawalpreet Singh, Shivansh Sharma, Abid Mushtaq, Dikshant Kundal, Umran Malik, Umar Nazir, Rohit Sharma, Vanshaj Sharma, Sunil Kumar, Sahil Lotra

Bengal: Sudip Gharami, Anustup Majumdar, Abishek Porel, Sumanta Gupta, Aditya Purohit, Saurabh Singh, Chinmoy Singh, Vishal Bhati, Aishik Patel, Karanlal, Vikash Singh (Jr), Aamir Gani, Rahul Prasad, Mukesh Kumar, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Ishan Porel, Yudhajit Guha, Nuruddin Mondal, Kanishk Seth, Sumit Mohanta, Subham Sarkar

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<![CDATA[CSK star player to captain Mumbai in Buchi Babu Tournament]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/csk-star-player-to-captain-mumbai-in-buchi-babu-tournament/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/csk-star-player-to-captain-mumbai-in-buchi-babu-tournament/ Tue, 12 Aug 2025 21:31:45 GMT

India U19 captain Ayush Mhatre will be captaining the Mumbai side in the Buchi Babu Tournament starting August 17 in Chennai. This event serves as a warm-up before the domestic season begins, giving players a chance to prepare and showcase their skills ahead of the upcoming competitions.

The Buchi Babu Invitational is an informal but important event, offering cricketers a chance to showcase their skills before the official domestic matches kick off. Teams from various regions participate, providing a competitive environment for players to get match practice and gain momentum.

Following this tournament, the domestic cricket season will officially start with the Duleep Trophy on August 28. For many players like Mhatre, this phase is crucial for gaining experience and proving their abilities to selectors as they aim for higher honours in Indian cricket.

See Also: Three Indian potential Test cricketers who deserve full support in this transition phase

Another Notable Moment in Ayush Mhatre’s Career:

According to the Times of India, Ayush Mhatre will lead Mumbai in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament. He impressed with strong performances in domestic cricket last year and IPL 2025, and recently captained India U19 on their England tour, scoring two centuries in unofficial Tests against England Lions. Mumbai will start their tournament journey on August 18.

The report also mentions that Sarfaraz Khan and his brother Musheer are included in the Mumbai squad. Despite strong performances during the India A tour before the Tests, Sarfaraz was overlooked for the national team. Currently, he is playing in the Kanga League.

Musheer, an all-rounder, represents Payyade Sports Club. For the upcoming Duleep Trophy, Sarfaraz has been selected for the West Zone squad, while Musheer is named as a reserve player. Both brothers continue to work hard to make their mark in domestic cricket.

Ayush Mhatre Leads India U19 in England:

Ayush Mhatre recently captained the India Under-19 team during their England tour. Under his guidance, India won the five-match Youth ODI series 3-2 and drew the two-match Youth Test series. Earlier in 2025, Mhatre made his IPL debut playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the tournament’s edition, showcasing his growing talent on bigger stages.

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<![CDATA[Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara Left Out of Duleep Trophy Squad]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/ajinkya-rahane-cheteshwar-pujara-omitted-from-duleep-trophy-squad/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/ajinkya-rahane-cheteshwar-pujara-omitted-from-duleep-trophy-squad/ Fri, 01 Aug 2025 16:26:22 GMT

Senior Indian players Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have not been included in the West Zone squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy. The team will be led by all-rounder Shardul Thakur.

Pujara and Rahane, who were key members of India’s Test team in the 2010s, have not played international red-ball cricket for some time. This latest decision, announced on Friday, August 1, could be a big blow to their chances of returning to the Test side.

 At present, Pujara is busy doing commentary for the India vs England Test series, while Rahane is focusing on his YouTube channel. Both, however, played in the Ranji Trophy last season.



This year, the Duleep Trophy is back to its old zonal format after one season with a four-team structure. Last year’s format had India A, B, C and D competing, with India A winning the title. The BCCI decided to return to the zonal system to give more players from each region a chance to play.

ALSO READ: Exclusive!! Chetan Sharma shares views on ENG vs IND 2025 Tests and DPL youngsters

West Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy 2025

Shardul Thakur (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Aarya Desai, Harvik Desai (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Jaymeet Patel, Manan Hingrajia, Saurabh Nawale (wk), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Dharmendra Jadeja, Tushar Deshpande, Arzan Nagwaswalla.

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<![CDATA[Watch: Rohit Sharma reveals how Sarfaraz Khan's vision help India to take wicket]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/rohit-sharma-reveals-how-sarfaraz-khan-s-vision-help-india-to-take-wicket/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/rohit-sharma-reveals-how-sarfaraz-khan-s-vision-help-india-to-take-wicket/ Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:51:52 GMT

Rohit Sharma heavily praised Sarfaraz Khan. In a recent podcast, the former Test captain of Team India shared an incident about Khan. The incident came out of a Test match, where Dhruv Jurel was the keeper and Sarfaraz was positioned in the short leg area.

Sarfaraz predicted the next move of the batter in advance. He shared his thoughts with Jurel to keep ready for the next delivery. He sensed that the batsman could step out outside from the crease, and a chance for a stumping might come. In the next ball, Khan's prediction proved accurate. The batter went out of the crease and missed the ball. Jurel, with his gloves, was ready behind the stumps and did the rest. India got the wicket.

Rohit Sharma was then the captain of Team India. He allowed some space for the young and emerging cricketers to utilize their brains during the match. As a captain, his vision came into effect at the highest order. Two talented cricketers, who were not in the leadership roles, communicated with each other and took the wicket with precision.

Read More: ENG vs IND 4th Test Day 1: Highlights and Key Factors

Golden memories for Rohit Sharma 

Days after that match and incident, after Rohit's retirement from the format, he recalled those incidents and tried to relive the podcast. Sharma labelled Khan as 'brilliant.' Interestingly, it was the same group of boys that annoyed Rohit so much that he scolded them by saying 'Garden Boys.' Now, after taking retirement from the Whites, those moments are now not less than gold for Rohit. 

After making some promising knocks for India, Khan is now out of the India squad. He has been working on his fitness by losing weight. According to media reports, the middle-order batsman reduced about 17 kgs by working hard. 

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<![CDATA[Sarfaraz Khan credits iconic player to motivate him for transformation]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/sarfaraz-khan-credits-iconic-player-to-motivate-him-for-transformation/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/sarfaraz-khan-credits-iconic-player-to-motivate-him-for-transformation/ Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:38:49 GMT

The Indian middle-order batter, Sarfaraz Khan, has grabbed the headlines recently after several reports claimed that he had lost 17 kg in a little more than two months. The 27-year-old, who had been dropped from the Test side even after his 150-run knock in Bengaluru against New Zealand, didn’t make it into the Australia and England trip.

The former RCB batter, during a recent interaction with Times Now, highlighted the progress of the formation and credited the former captain, Virat Kohli, for his transformation. He addressed Kohli’s words on how the Delhi-born spoke about having no doubts over his skills, but on the fitness department.

See Also: [WATCH] Indian players discuss growing popularity of cricket in India

‘I was dropped at RCB in 2016 because of my fitness. Virat Kohli bhaiya told me straightaway that while there were no doubts over my skills, my fitness was not letting me get to the next level. Virat bhaiya was very honest with me about where I was.Sarfaraz Khan expressed to Time Now. His eyes will be on the red-ball team for the two-match home series against West Indies and South Africa later on.

Sarfaraz Khan credits Virat Kohli for motivation in transformation

The 27-year-old has smashed 371 runs in 11 innings in the five-day format at an average of 37.10 and a strike rate of nearly 75 with the help of three fifties and one century. In the first-class format, the right-handed batter has clubbed 4685 runs in 83 innings at an average of 65.98 and a strike rate of 70.85, shouldering 15 half-centuries and 16 centuries at the best score of unbeaten 301 runs.

‘I felt good not just about my improved fitness but because it helped me score runs & get a lead. At one point, all my teammates used to call me 'Panda' because I used to eat a lot. Now, they've started calling me 'Macho'. Very few people know it's my nickname now.Sarfaraz shed light during this interaction.

Shockingly, a batter of his stature with an average of more than 65 hasn’t been a regular member of the Indian red-ball side. But the team is yet to find their number three as Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan couldn’t do much with the bat in England. Could Sarfaraz be the answer to the position? For that, first, he would need to get into the squad and play in the eleven.

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<![CDATA[Kevin Pietersen complements Sarfaraz Khan after his fat loss journey]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/kevin-pietersen-complements-sarfaraz-khan-after-his-fat-loss-journey/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/kevin-pietersen-complements-sarfaraz-khan-after-his-fat-loss-journey/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:39:51 GMT

Sarfaraz Khan's inspirational weight loss transformation journey has left everyone in awe. The young wicket keeper batter, who once had to face the wrath of his selectors and his higher-ups, has put in some hard hards at the gym to get his body shape in order. As unbelievable as it may sound, Sarfaraz has shed around 17 kilos in the last couple of months. 

Despite a promising start to his test career, the 27-year-old was left out of the England tour, with his fitness contributing to half the reason for his exclusion. Instead, the management leaned more towards Sai Sudharshan and India's second triple centurion, Karun Nair, and included them for the ongoing England Test tour. 

Sarfaraz Khan has long battled criticism over his fitness, particularly his weight, a factor that many believe delayed his Test debut despite consistent performances in domestic cricket. But after an incredible turnaround in his fitness, experts predict Sarfaraz's imminent return to the Indian Test squad. 

See also: Watch: Sarfaraz's hilarious celebration after mix-up with Pant leaves NZ fuming

KP lauds Sarfaraz for achieving his fitness goals

While Sarfaraz's drastic weight loss transformation left many experts and former cricketers awestruck, England's Kevin Pietersen was far more impressed than anyone else. The former England legend personally felt happy for him and praised him for prioritizing his fitness, in a bid to excel in his game. KP hopes that his rejuvenated fitness levels will bring about positive results for him in the form of consistent on-field performances. 

However, at the same time, KP did not refrain from taking a dig at Prithvi Shaw either. The Mumbai-based batter has faded away from the grand scheme of things, primarily on fitness grounds. Not so long ago, both Sarfaraz and Shaw found themselves on a similar boat, struggling with fitness woes. While the former has shown that it is possible to achieve physical transformation, KP does encourage Shaw to take a leaf out of his book and start taking fitness seriously, in an effort to make an international comeback.

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<![CDATA[ENG Lions vs IND A Day 1 Recap – Key performances and major Highlights from unofficial Test]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/eng-lions-vs-ind-a-day-1-recap-key-performances-and-major-highlights-from-unofficial-test/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/eng-lions-vs-ind-a-day-1-recap-key-performances-and-major-highlights-from-unofficial-test/ Sat, 31 May 2025 00:12:39 GMT

India A- 409/3 (90 Overs)

When an entire nation experienced peak excitement for a Mumbai Indians vs. Gujarat Titans Eliminator match of IPL 2025, Karun Nair was busy doing what he can do best—playing a three-digit innings against England Lions for India A team at The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury.

India is set to make a visit to England for a 5-match Test series after the conclusion of the ongoing Indian Premier League season under Subhman Gill's leadership. Before that, it is the time for some preparations. 

Dominance by England Lions at the beginning of Day 1

India A Skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran walked back to the hut after a leg before the wicket cheaply only for an individual 8 runs. His opening partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal, scored a promising 24 and departed when India A struggled with 51 after losing the opening pair. Eddie Jack and Josh Hull positioned England Lion in the driving seat before Karun Nair and Sarfaraz Khan stitched a 181-run partnership, facing 235 balls. 

Read More: Former Indian Cricketer Passes Away After Sudden Cardiac Arrest

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opted to drop Khan from the main squad of team India for the upcoming Test series. The batter, who recently lost weight to gain more fitness and scored tons of runs in the domestic circuit, went out for India A to make a 92-run innings, missing a century only by 8 runs.

But Nair, so far, showed no signs of taking a halt. The middle-order batter, who has a triple Test century in his bag, remained unbeaten for 186 after day 1 of the unofficial Test. The momentum gained by England Lions at the start of the match gradually lost their grip when Sarfaraz and Nair rotated strikes without any major bump.

At the end of the day, India A at the commanding position

After the departure of Sarfaraz, Karun Nair paired up with Dhruv Jurel for another long-lasting partnership, which will continue on Day 2. After the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, BCCI selectors have to fill up the void left by the two icons. India has multiple options as openers, but very few contenders for the number 3 spot, the position mostly remembered for Kohli.

Square for the unofficial Test: 

India A (Playing XI): Abhimanyu Easwaran(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel(w), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Harsh Dubey, Anshul Kamboj, Harshit Rana, Mukesh Kumar.

England Lions (Playing XI): Tom Haines, Ben McKinney, Emilio Gay, Max Holden, James Rew(w/c), Dan Mousley, Rehan Ahmed, Zaman Akhter, Eddie Jack, Josh Hull, and Ajeet Dale.

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