IPL 2026: CSK sign Sarfaraz Khan for ₹75 lakh
What's the story
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have signed Sarfaraz Khan for his base price of ₹75 lakh in the Indian Premier League 2026 auction. The young cricketer was initially unsold but later picked up at his base price during the accelerated round of bidding. Sarfaraz's recent performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has been nothing short of sensational, making him a valuable addition to CSK's squad. Here are further details.
Stellar form
Sarfaraz's impressive performance in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Sarfaraz has been in remarkable form for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He has scored 329 runs in seven innings at an astonishing strike rate of 203.08, including three fifties and his first T20 century. Last Sunday, he played a blistering knock of 64 off just 25 balls as Mumbai registered the highest-ever chase in SMAT history - a massive target of 235 runs against Haryana.
Previous experience
Sarfaraz's IPL journey and past teams
Sarfaraz Khan has previously played for Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. He has featured in 50 matches so far, scoring a total of 585 runs at an average of 22.50 and a strike rate of 130.58. His last appearance in the league was for DC in the 2022 season. Overall in T20 cricket, the 28-year-old boasts 1,517 at a strike rate of 139.43. His average reads 26.15.
Knock
15-ball half-century on auction day
On the day of the auction, Sarfaraz played another sublime knock in the SMAT match against Rajasthan. He scored a quickfire 73 off just 22 balls, helping Mumbai chase down a 217-run target. The Mumbai batter reached his half-century in just 15 balls, underlining his explosive hitting ability. This was his sixth half-century in T20 cricket. His maiden ton in the format came against Assam in the ongoing tournament.