India, July 21 -- Sarfaraz Khan has put in serious work off the field, shedding 17 kilos in a determined effort to reclaim his spot in the Indian team after being left out of the England tour. The 27-year-old missed out on the crucial five-match tour despite an impressive start to his Test career.

Sarfaraz was part of the Indian squad during the tour of Australia but didn't get a game, with coach Gautam Gambhir opting for Washington Sundar on seamer-friendly pitches. Despite an outstanding domestic record and a promising start in international cricket, he was overlooked for the England series, with the selectors choosing Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair ahead of him.

The 27-year-old has long battled criticism over his fitness, particularly ...