Virat Kohli gifts bat and gloves to Sarfraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan perhaps the most exciting young talent in the country at the moment. After showing some glimpses of his prodigious talent his debut season last year, he began IPL 9 with a bang, blasting 35 not out from just 10 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in RCB’s opening game.

Unfortunately, he later lost his spot in the team only after playing just 5 matches, making way for Sachin Baby as the latter was a better fielder. Virat Kohli had set a higher benchmark in term of fitness levels and made it clear in the media that Sarfaraz needed to work hard on his fitness if he wants to seal a berth in the playing XI.

A report from Times of India states that Kohli gifted Sarfaraz a bat and a pair of gloves after RCB’s loss in the final on Sunday. It was a great gesture from the skipper which will motivate the young batsman to achieve his goals quickly.

The 18-year old finished as the second highest run-getter in the Under-19 World Cup this year with an aggregate of 355 runs in six matches. He won the CEAT U-19 Cricketer of the Year on Monday.

Sarfaraz also seems to have taken the fitness matter very seriously. “He told me to work hard. I think he’s given me the bow and arrow to help me conquer my target. This means a lot to me.”

Also, read – Best young XI of IPL 2016

The RCB trainer Shankar Basu has emailed Sarfaraz a fitness programme and the youngster, who has already lost 5 kg in the IPL, is looking forward to be fitter. Basu is credited as the man behind Virat Kohli’s fitness.