Former Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Sarfaraz Khan to earn a spot in Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) playing XI for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Ashwin stated that the five-time IPL champions should capitalize on Sarfaraz’s purple patch by giving him a regular role in the line-up.
Sarfaraz has been delivering consistent big performances across tournaments. He smashed a century and three half-centuries in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which convinced CSK to sign him at his base price of Rs 75 lakh in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The batter carried that form into the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
CSK Should Look at Riding Sarfaraz Khan’s Purple Patch – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin said that Sarfaraz Khan must start for the Chennai Super Kings during the upcoming Indian Premier League season. Ashwin stated that Sarfaraz has the ability to dominate spin bowling in the middle overs, especially through sweeps and slog sweeps.
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“100*(47), 52(40), 64(25), 73(22) in the SMAT. That form transitioned seamlessly into the Hazare with scores of 55(49) followed by a blistering 157(75) today with 14 sixes. It’s particularly impressive how he murders spin in the middle overs with his sweeps and slog sweeps,” Ashwin posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“Avan kadhava thattala, idichi odachitu irukaan.’ ( He is not knocking on the door; he is breaking it open ). CSK should look at riding his purple patch by slotting him into the Playing XII surely? A genuine problem of plenty with the bat for the men in yellove this season! Can’t wait for IPL 2026!” he added.
100*(47), 52(40), 64(25), 73(22) in the SMAT.
That form’s transitioned seamlessly into the Hazare with scores of 55(49) followed by a blistering 157(75) today with 14 sixes. It’s particularly impressive how he murders spin in the middle overs with his sweeps and slog sweeps.… pic.twitter.com/MfBWAD6QH8
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 31, 2025
Sarfaraz Khan Joins CSK After Going Unsold, Eyes IPL Return After 2023
Sarfaraz Khan initially went unsold, but the Chennai Super Kings later signed him into their squad. If he gets a game, it will mark his first IPL appearance since playing for Delhi Capitals in 2023.
The Mumbai batter expressed gratitude to CSK for the opportunity, promising to give his best for the franchise. Sarfaraz is no stranger to the league, having previously represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings, with his IPL debut coming for RCB back in 2015.
In the latest Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Sarfaraz piled up 329 runs at a remarkable average of 82.25 and a strike rate of 204.34, including a century, making a strong case for a fresh IPL run.
Sarfaraz Khan Smashes Blistering 157 for Mumbai in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Sarfaraz Khan played a sensational knock for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, tearing apart Goa with a blistering 157 off just 75 balls in Jaipur. Walking in at No. 4 after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal, Sarfaraz completely dominated the Goa bowling attack.
The right-hander reached his century in just 56 balls and brought up 150 with a maximum early in the 42nd over. His explosive innings powered Mumbai to a massive total of 444 for 8 in 50 overs.
Sarfaraz also built key partnerships during the innings, including big stands with his brother Musheer Khan, captain Shardul Thakur and wicketkeeper Hardik Tamore. Musheer chipped in with 60, while Tamore added 53, but it was Sarfaraz’s extraordinary knock that defined the match.
