“CSK should look at riding his purple patch” - R Ashwin’s massive praise for discarded Indian batter ahead of IPL 2026

Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin urged the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to utilize the in-form Sarfaraz Khan to the fullest in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The Men in Yellow signed the discarded Indian batter for ₹75 Lakh in the recent IPL 2026 auction.

Sarfaraz produced a knock for the ages in Mumbai's most recent outing of the ongoing 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) against Goa. The right-hander smashed 157 off only 75 deliveries, including 14 maximums and nine boundaries, helping Mumbai post a massive 444/8 in 50 overs.

Sarfaraz's heroics and his excellent recent form had Ashwin hailing the 28-year-old on his X handle, posting:

"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?"

He continued:

"A genuine problem of plenty with the bat for the men in yellove this season! Can't wait for IPL 2026!"

Sarfaraz has been in incredible touch in the 2025-26 VHT, scoring 220 runs at an average of 110 and a strike rate of 170.54 in four matches. He entered the tournament on the back of an outstanding 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) campaign, finishing with 329 runs at an average of 65.80 and a strike rate of 203.08 in seven games.

CSK and Sarfaraz Khan look for bounce-back IPL seasons in 2026

The IPL has not been too kind to Sarfaraz Khan historically, as the Mumbai batter has not participated since the 2023 season. The 28-year-old has also struggled for production in the IPL, averaging only 22.50 at a strike rate of 130.58 in 50 games.

Sarfaraz last played for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2023, averaging a dismal 13.25 at a strike rate of 85.48 in four matches.

Meanwhile, CSK have been found wanting over the past two IPL seasons, following their fifth title in 2023. The franchise missed the playoffs in 2024 and endured its worst-ever IPL season last year.

CSK won only four out of their 14 matches and finished at the bottom of the standings for the first time in league history in IPL 2025.

Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran