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Former Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Sarfaraz Khan to earn a place in the starting XI of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). Ashwin said the five-time IPL champions should take advantage of Sarfaraz’s purple patch and give him a regular role in the lineup.
Sarfaraz has been performing well in all competitions. His record of one century and three half-centuries in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy convinced CSK to sign him at a base price of Rs 75 lakh in the 2026 IPL mini-auction. The batsman carried this form into the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
CSK should look at Sarfaraz Khan’s purple patch – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin says Sarfaraz Khan must start for the Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming Indian Premier League season. Ashwin said Sarfaraz has the ability to control spin bowling in the middle order, especially through the sweep and long sweep.
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“100*(47), 52(40), 64(25), 73(22) in SMAT. The form transitioned seamlessly to Hazare, who scored 55(49), followed by a stunning 157(75) with 14 sixes today. Particularly impressive was how he murdered spin in the middle with sweeps and hard sweeps,” Ashwin on X (formerly Twitter).
“Avan kadhava thattala, idichi odachitu irukaan.” (He is not knocking; he is opening the door). Should CSK consider including him in the XII squad to take advantage of his purple patch? There are indeed a lot of issues with the bats for the men wearing the yellow jersey this season! Can’t wait for IPL 2026! ” he added.
100*(47), 52(40), 64(25), 73(22) in SMAT.
The form transitioned seamlessly to Hazare, who scored 55 (49), before hitting a staggering 157 (75) with 14 sixes today. Particularly impressive is how he murders spin in midfield with sweeps and hard sweeps. pic.twitter.com/MfBWAD6QH8
— Ashwin🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 31, 2025
Sarfaraz Khan joins CSK after unsold, eyes post-IPL return in 2023
Sarfaraz Khan was not sold initially but Chennai Super Kings later signed him into the team. If he gets a game, it will be his first IPL appearance since playing for Delhi Capitals in 2023.
The Mumbai batsman expressed his gratitude for the opportunity provided by CSK and promised to give his best for the team. Sarfaraz is no stranger to the league, having represented Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab, and made his IPL debut for RCB in 2015.
In the latest edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Sarfaraz amassed 329 runs, including a century, at a staggering 82.25 runs and a strike rate of 204.34, making a strong case for a new IPL run.
Sarfaraz Khan scores 157 runs for Mumbai in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Sarfaraz Khan had a brilliant performance for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, tearing apart Goa with a knock of 157 off just 75 balls in Jaipur. After the dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz was at number four and completely dominated the Goa bowling attack.
The right-hander reached his hundred in just 56 balls and hit a high of 150 early in the 42nd over. His explosive innings saw Mumbai score a mammoth score of 444 runs in 8 overs in 50 overs.
Sarfaraz also forged important partnerships during the tournament, including the grandstand with his brother Mushel Khan, captain Shardul Thakur and wicketkeeper Hardik Thamor. Musheer scored 60 and Tamore scored 53, but it was Sarfaraz’s extraordinary knock that decided the match.
