Sarfaraz Khan is in the best form of his career in white-ball cricket in the current Indian domestic season. Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Chennai Super Kings, who acquired him for Rs 75 lakh in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, should give him a chance.
Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, Sarfaraz Khan has been batting with full authority
During the first phase of the Ranji Trophy, Sarfaraz failed to achieve any significant success, averaging just 29.67 in six innings. However, he performed completely differently in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. The right-handed batsman scored 329 runs in seven innings, averaging 65.80 and striking at 203.08. He continued that form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 220 runs in three innings, averaging 110 and striking at 170.54.
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Sarfaraz Khan, 28, played a brilliant innings of 157 runs off 75 balls against Goa at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground in Jaipur on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, after which he earned praise from the legendary Ashwin, who batted for his selection in the CSK starting line-up in IPL 2026.
Ashwin said, “100*(47), 52(40), 64(25), 73(22) in SMAT. This form has undoubtedly transitioned to Hazare with a score of 55(49), followed by a blistering 157(75) with 14 sixes today. It’s particularly impressive how he kills spin in the middle overs with his sweeps and slog sweeps. ‘He’s not knocking the door, he’s breaking it down. CSK should definitely look to ride his purple patch by slotting him in the playing 12? There have been a lot of problems with the bat for the Men in Yellow this season! Can’t wait for IPL 2026!”
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As Ashwin pointed out, the five-time champions have a number of options in their batting formations. While they have included Sanju Samson in the squad, players like Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, Dewald Brewis, and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad are also expected to fill the batting order.