Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has urged Chennai Super Kings to make the most of Sarfaraz Khan’s current purple patch by including him in their regular lineup for IPL 2026. Sarfaraz’s recent heroics in the Vijay Hazare Trophy have further cemented his reputation as a formidable white-ball batsman.
**Sarfaraz’s Fiery 157 Powers Mumbai’s Dominance**
Sarfaraz Khan produced a breathtaking display of batting against Goa in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, smashing a blistering 157 off just 75 deliveries. His innings was a showcase of aggressive stroke-play, featuring nine fours and an incredible 14 sixes, leaving the opposition bowlers in disarray. Mumbai registered a comprehensive 87-run victory thanks to his remarkable contribution.
**CSK’s Strategic Acquisition in IPL 2026 Auction**
The Chennai Super Kings had previously acquired Sarfaraz Khan at his base price of Rs 75 lakh during the IPL 2026 auction, a move that presents the batter with a vital opportunity after limited game time in previous seasons. Impressed by Sarfaraz’s consistent form and aggressive approach, Ashwin took to social media to champion his cause for a regular spot in the CSK playing XI.
**Middle-Overs Spin Attacker Excels**
Ashwin pointed to Sarfaraz’s outstanding performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 329 runs in seven games at a strike rate exceeding 203 and an average of 65.80. He particularly commended Sarfaraz’s ability to dominate spin bowling in the middle overs with his effective sweep and slog-sweep shots. Ashwin believes this offensive capability, combined with his current form, makes him an ideal candidate for CSK’s batting lineup, creating a ‘genuine problem of plenty’ for the team.