Former England batting star Kevin Pietersen heaped praise on India`s Sarfaraz Khan for undergoing a remarkable physical transformation ahead of the upcoming domestic season.
Sarfaraz, who has long been lauded for his run-scoring consistency in domestic cricket, reportedly shed 17 kgs in recent weeks, presenting a leaner version of himself. Taking to social media on Monday, Pietersen lauded the 26-year-old`s commitment to improving his fitness, that has often drawn criticism despite his prolific performances with the bat.
Sarfaraz Khan`s Instagram story
“Outstanding effort, young man! Huge congrats, and I’m sure it’s going to lead to better and more consistent performances on the field. I love the time you’ve spent reorganising your priorities! LFG! 🚀Can someone show Prithvi this, please? It can be done! Strong body, strong mind,” Pietersen wrote on X.
Outstanding effort, young man! Huge congrats and I’m sure it’s going to lead to better and more consistent performances on the field. I love the time you’ve spent reorganising your priorities!
LFG! 🚀
Can someone show Prithvi this please?
It can be done!
Strong body, strong… https://t.co/U6KbUXlfVf— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) July 21, 2025
Sarfaraz made his long-awaited Test debut for India earlier this year in February during the home series against England, following years of sustained excellence in the Ranji Trophy and other domestic competitions. However, despite showing promise, he has yet to secure a regular place in the Indian Test side.
Fitness concerns had often been cited as a hurdle in his path to international recognition, even as he piled on runs for Mumbai. His latest transformation is seen by many as a statement of intent, thus signaling his readiness to meet the physical demands of top-tier cricket and fight his way back into national contention.
In the same breath, Pietersen’s comments also touched upon another once-promising Indian batter, Prithvi Shaw, whose career has been marked by a series of stops and starts over the years. Once heralded as the next big thing in Indian cricket, Shaw has found himself out of favour in recent years. He will now turn out for Maharashtra in the domestic season, having received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Cricket Association in June.
“At this stage of my career, I believe joining the Maharashtra team will help me grow further as a cricketer. I am deeply grateful to the Mumbai Cricket Association for the opportunities and support I have received over the years,” Shaw had said in a statement.
