The IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday delivered a heartwarming moment of redemption for middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan, who was snapped up by the Chennai Super Kings. The signing, which marks his return to the lucrative league after a gap, was celebrated notably by close friend and former cricketer's daughter, Anaya Bangar.
An Emotional Auction Victory for Sarfaraz Khan
After facing repeated disappointments at the auction table in recent years, Sarfaraz Khan finally found a team. The Chennai Super Kings secured him at his base price of Rs 75 lakh, bringing him back to the IPL for the first time since the 2023 season. The moment was significant for the 26-year-old, who has been in stellar form in domestic cricket.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Sarfaraz took to Instagram soon after the announcement to express his gratitude. He posted a video on his story with a heartfelt message: “Thank you so much, CSK for giving me new life.” This sentiment underscores the importance of this opportunity for his career trajectory.
A Friendship Celebrated: Anaya Bangar's Joyful Reaction
The news was met with equal excitement by Anaya Bangar, daughter of former India all-rounder and coach Sanjay Bangar. Reacting to CSK's official welcome post for Sarfaraz on social media, Anaya dropped fire and clapping hand emojis in the comments, publicly sharing her joy for her friend's success.
The bond between Anaya and Sarfaraz goes back several years. During the IPL 2025 season, Anaya had visited Sarfaraz's home to spend time with him and his family, including his father and coach, Naushad Khan. She later shared pictures from the meet-up on her social media, where Sarfaraz noted they were meeting after a gap of two to three years.
Anaya captioned the post fondly, recalling their childhood connection: “We held bats before phones… friends since the beginning.” Anaya, formerly known as Aryan, is an athlete who played age-group cricket and has been open about her personal journey following gender reaffirming surgery.
Backing Comeback with Performance
Sarfaraz Khan's IPL comeback is firmly backed by compelling performances on the domestic circuit. In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he has scored 256 runs from just six innings, boasting an impressive average of 64.00 and a blistering strike-rate of 182.85. This rich vein of form likely played a crucial role in attracting bids at the mini-auction, proving his readiness for the big stage.
For Chennai Super Kings, the acquisition represents a strategic move to bolster their middle order with a talented Indian batter known for his aggressive stroke play. For Sarfaraz, it's a chance to revive his IPL career under the mentorship of one of the most successful franchises in the league's history.
