Veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a strong pitch for Chennai Super Kings to include the red-hot Sarfaraz Khan in their playing eleven for the upcoming Indian Premier League season. Ashwin's call comes on the back of the Mumbai batter's sensational form in domestic cricket, highlighted by a brutal 157 runs off just 75 balls for Mumbai against Goa in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Wednesday.
Ashwin's Viral Endorsement on Social Media
Taking to social media platform X, Ashwin dissected Sarfaraz Khan's phenomenal run across formats this season. He pointed out that the batter's form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy has seamlessly transitioned into the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy. "He is not knocking on the door, he is breaking it open," Ashwin wrote in a mix of English and Tamil, emphasizing the batter's dominance.
The off-spinner highlighted Sarfaraz's specific prowess against spin bowling in the middle overs, crediting his sweep and slog-sweep shots. Ashwin's central question was direct: "CSK should look at riding his purple patch by slotting him into the Playing XII surely?" He concluded by noting that CSK has a "genuine problem of plenty" with the bat this season, expressing excitement for IPL 2026.
Sarfaraz Khan's Meteoric Domestic Season
The numbers backing Ashwin's argument are staggering. In the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Sarfaraz amassed 329 runs at an average of 82.25 and a strike rate of 204.34. His scores included a century and three half-centuries: 100*(47), 52(40), 64(25), and 73(22).
He has carried that devastating touch into the Vijay Hazare Trophy. After a steady 55 off 49 balls, he unleashed his carnage against Goa, smashing 14 sixes in his 75-ball 157. This consistent, high-impact performance across white-ball formats is what caught CSK's eye at the auction.
CSK's Auction Coup and Sarfaraz's Promise
Interestingly, Sarfaraz Khan initially went unsold in the IPL 2026 auction. However, the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings later snapped him up for his base price of Rs 75 lakh. This acquisition could prove to be a masterstroke if his current form is any indicator.
An emotional Sarfaraz had thanked CSK on social media after the purchase, writing, "Thank you so much, CSK for giving me new life. I will make sure CSK will lift the 2026 title." If selected, this will mark his return to the IPL after a gap since 2023, when he last played for Delhi Capitals. The right-hander has previously had stints with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings since his debut in 2015.
With Ashwin's public endorsement adding to the growing buzz, all eyes will be on the CSK team management to see if they integrate the in-form Mumbai batter into their star-studded lineup, aiming to leverage his purple patch for a successful title defense.
