Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
The remarkable performance of Sarfaraz Khan in his debut Test against England's spinners was not merely a stroke of luck but the culmination of years of dedicated training.
Sarfaraz Khan's impressive debut Test performance was rooted in over 15 years of relentless training. Under the watchful guidance of his father Naushad Khan, Sarfaraz honed his skills by facing 500 deliveries daily and embarking on a rigorous 1600km car journey during the COVID-19 lockdowns, said a report by PTI.
Sarfaraz's training regimen involved facing deliveries from off, leg, and left-arm spinners across various grounds in Mumbai, including Oval, Cross, and Azad Maidans.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Sarfaraz undertook a 1600km car journey, playing on challenging pitches across different cities, enhancing his skills in adverse conditions.
Coaches of prominent players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, and Gautam Gambhir played a significant role in Sarfaraz's development, arranging net sessions against spinners during lockdown.
Coaches and fellow cricketers rallied around Sarfaraz, providing facilities and arranging matches to facilitate his training against spin bowling.
Specialized training against spin bowlers, organized by coaches like Kapil Pandey and Badruddin Sheikh, helped Sarfaraz refine his skills and footwork against spin.
Sarfaraz's training regimen extended beyond match days, with dedicated sessions against pacers and spinners, ensuring his preparedness for various match scenarios.
To replicate match conditions, Sarfaraz underwent simulation training, facing bowlers on pitches resembling those encountered in actual matches, showcasing his adaptability and versatility.
The collective efforts of Sarfaraz, his father, and coaches bore fruit as evidenced by his commanding performance against England's spinners, highlighting the effectiveness of his rigorous training regimen.