Sarfaraz Khan, who made a memorable Test debut for India earlier this year, has been working diligently to maintain his fitness and sharpen his skills during a lengthy absence from competitive cricket.

The 26-year-old has been out of action since March 2024 after scoring a crucial 56 in the fifth and final Test against England in Dharamsala. Despite his impressive debut, where he stepped in as a replacement for Shreyas Iyer and delivered consecutive half-centuries, Sarfaraz was not picked for any IPL franchise and did not feature in any of India's white-ball matches this year.

However, the Mumbai cricketer has utilized his time away from the field effectively. Sarfaraz, with the help of his father and mentor Naushad Khan, embarked on a rigorous training regime that focused on improving his fitness and refining his batting technique. Waking up at 4:15 am daily, Sarfaraz engaged in long-distance running, gym sessions, and fielding drills to ensure he was in top physical condition. His father played a pivotal role in structuring the training, emphasizing the importance of discipline and consistency.

Sarfaraz is now gearing up for the Buchi Babu Tournament, where he aims to make a strong impact for Mumbai. Acknowledging the challenges posed by the absence of competitive cricket and the monsoon rains in Mumbai, which limited outdoor practice, Sarfaraz stressed the significance of preparing for real match conditions on turf wickets rather than relying solely on indoor facilities.

Despite his hard work, Sarfaraz remains realistic about his chances of being selected for India's upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 in Chennai. With the likely return of Iyer and KL Rahul to the middle order, Sarfaraz's place in the XI is uncertain. However, he remains undeterred and is focused on being ready if an opportunity arises.

"My father and I had a dream to play for India, and achieving that against England was a proud moment. But that’s not where the journey ends. I need to continue working hard and be prepared for when the next opportunity comes," Sarfaraz said.

While the Test series against Bangladesh is on the horizon, Sarfaraz is concentrating on the present and making the most of the Buchi Babu Tournament. His determination and commitment to improving his game show that he is ready to seize any future opportunities that come his way.