Sarfaraz Khan’s name was widely expected when India announced the squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies, starting October 2 on home soil. However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that the 27-year-old middle-order batter has been ruled out due to injury, dealing a fresh setback to a player who has worked tirelessly on his fitness in recent months.
Just a few months ago, Sarfaraz grabbed headlines for his remarkable transformation. After facing criticism over his fitness standards, he shed 17 kilos in just 45 days through a strict diet and intensive training. The once heavily scrutinised cricketer now looks leaner, sharper, and in peak physical condition. His dedication to fitness has drawn praise from coaches and peers alike, showing that the Mumbai batter was determined to silence doubters.
WATCH – Dhanashree Verma Again Faces Online Trolls Following Divorce and Alimony Rumours
Currently, Sarfaraz Khan is undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru for a quadriceps injury. Despite the setback, he recently cleared the yo-yo fitness test with a score of 17, as reported by journalist Devendra Pandey on X (formerly Twitter). This achievement indicates that Sarfaraz is nearing full fitness and is poised for a strong comeback.
Sarfaraz Khan clears his fitness Test. He completed his yo-yo Test at 17 today at the CEO.
— Devendra Pandey (@pdevendra) September 27, 2025
Though he missed out on the 2025 Duleep Trophy with the West Zone due to injury, Sarfaraz has been named in Mumbai’s 24-member Ranji Trophy squad, where he is expected to be fit for the opening clash against Jammu & Kashmir on October 15. Mumbai will be led by Shardul Thakur, with Musheer Khan, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Siddhesh Lad, Tushar Deshpande, and Shams Mulani among other key players.
WATCH – Sanju Samson Awarded Impact Player Medal After Match-Winning Super Over Performance
Sarfaraz has already shown glimpses of his batting brilliance this year. In the 2025 Buchi Babu Trophy, he scored 305 runs in four innings, including two centuries. He also impressed for India A against England Lions, scoring 92 off 119 balls in Canterbury. Since making his Test debut in February 2024 against England, he has played six Tests, amassing 371 runs with a century and three fifties.
Despite missing out on the West Indies Tests, Sarfaraz’s record in domestic cricket remains outstanding—4,685 runs in 55 first-class matches at an average of 65.98, with 16 centuries and a career-best 301*. For Mumbai and Indian cricket, his fitness recovery and form will be crucial as he looks to force his way back into the Test setup.
