‘CSK should look at riding his purple patch by slotting him into the Playing XII surely?’: R Ashwin on Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan scored a blistering 157 off just 75 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Wednesday against Goa. (Sportzpics)

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin lauded batter Sarfaraz Khan for his blistering 157 off just 75 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Wednesday against Goa, adding that Chennai Super Kings should find a place for the batter in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Sarfaraz has been in electric form in the domestic circuit this season, scoring a century and three half centuries in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy which earned him a place in the CSK squad after they snapped him up for his base price of Rs 75 lakh in the IPL auction.

“100(47), 52(40), 64(25), 73(22) in the SMAT. That form’s transitioned seamlessly into the Hazare with scores of 55(49) followed by a blistering 157(75) today with 14 sixes. It’s particularly impressive how he murders spin in the middle overs with his sweeps and slog sweeps. Avan kadhava thattala, idichi odachitu irukaan.’ ( He is not knocking on the door, he is breaking it open ). CSK should look at riding his purple patch by slotting him into the Playing XII surely? A genuine problem of plenty with the bat for the men in yellove this season! Can’t wait for IPL 2026!,” Ashwin posted on X.

100(47), 52(40), 64(25), 73(22) in the SMAT.

That form’s transitioned seamlessly into the Hazare with scores of 55(49) followed by a blistering 157(75) today with 14 sixes. It’s particularly impressive how he murders spin in the middle overs with his sweeps and slog sweeps.… pic.twitter.com/MfBWAD6QH8

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 31, 2025

Sarfaraz first went unsold in the auction at first but was later bought by the five-time champions. If he plays, this would be Sarfaraz’s first appearance in the IPL since he played for Delhi Capitals in 2023.

“Thank you so much, CSK for giving me new life. I will make sure CSK will lift the 2026 title,” the Mumbai batter had written on his Instagram page.

Sarfaraz has played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings in the past apart from Delhi Capitals. He made his IPL debut for RCB in 2015. The right-hander has been in fine form in this year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, amassing 329 runs at an average of 82.25 and a strike rate of 204.34, with a century to his name.