- July 22, 2025
We all know the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Although the cricket selectors have not been great for Indian cricket, it sometimes feels like they have been doing just that. Now, enter Sarfaraz Khan – talent on talent, banging at the door of Indian cricket for years and being neglected, and, really, only due to his shape. When Indian great Sunil Gavaskar threw bullets at the selector, telling them to “go to a fashion show and find some models” if they wanted picky fit players, he wasn’t just making an interesting comment; he was making a statement.
Beyond the Physical — Why Performance Should Always Come First
Cricket, like any sport, demands a certain level of fitness, no doubt. But fitness doesn’t always come in the same package. Sarfaraz Khan’s journey proves that in cricket, it’s the scoreboard — not the silhouette — that tells the real story. With a jaw-dropping first-class average of nearly 66 and 16 hundreds, the stats scream “ready for prime time.” Yet, his initial exclusion was largely blamed on fitness concerns linked to his weight.
Sunil Gavaskar’s astute comment in reference to selectors looking for models at a fashion show rather than cricketers identifies an essential flaw – evaluating players on how they look instead of their skill set. If the player out on the field is getting runs consistently and is standing there for several hours, what validity is there in fitness comments?
Sarfaraz’s Fitness Overhaul — A Testament to Dedication and Resolve
Criticism regarding fitness and weight is not without cause in professional sport, and particularly when considering endurance, agility, and injury prevention. But the inspirational angle to Sarfaraz’s story is the shift in his attitude and mindset. Sarfaraz heard the criticism, which emanated after the England Tests, head-on and responded by losing 17 kilos and improving his level of fitness.
This was more than just a physical makeover — it was a statement of dedication to both his craft and his team. When he posted on social media about being a leaner, fitter version of himself, it rapidly spread and helped many others struggling with the perception of body/fitness in sport. Sarfaraz’s transformation goes against the often-held stereotype that cricketers can only fit into a certain body type or form, and instead shows that everyone has a different fitness journey.
The Bigger Picture — Why Selectors Should Focus on Results, Not Appearances
Sunil Gavaskar’s critique isn’t just about Sarfaraz; it’s about a mindset that could be limiting the potential of many talented cricketers. The obsession with slimness and athletic looks risks overshadowing those who bring grit, technique, and runs to the team. It’s worth asking: how many Sarfaraz Khans have slipped through the cracks because they didn’t “look the part”?
Cricket history is filled with legends who defied physical stereotypes — from the heavyset, muscular all-rounders to players who made fitness breakthroughs later in their careers. What truly matters is a player’s contribution on the field. Selection should be about the runs scored, wickets taken, and the heart shown, not about matching a fitness blueprint or conforming to aesthetic ideals.
Sunil Gavaskar commenting on selectors – “go to a fashion parade to get models” was not just funny, it was a challenge to think differently about how we think about cricketers. As fans, commentators, or selectors, we have the same difficult choice – are we picking players on their game, or their waist? Cricket is not a fashion parade; runs and wickets are the only measures!
