Ace batter Sarfaraz Khan went unsold in the first round of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction on December 16 but was eventually roped in by
the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for his base price of INR 75 lakh in the accelerated bidding round, making a comeback to the marquee T20 tournament after three seasons.
The right-handed batter's selection came on the back of the red-hot form he was in during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, slamming 329 runs in seven innings at an average of 65.80 and a strike rate of 203.39. However, there are three players who could have done better for CSK in IPL 2026 considering the team dynamics.
Here are 3 players CSK could have bought over Sarfaraz Khan
3. Abhinav Manohar
Abhinav Manohar failed to live up to his potential in the IPL when he represented the Gujarat Titans and the Sunrisers Hyderabad in recent seasons. However, his ferocious ball-striking ability was expected to earn him a hefty pay cheque at the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
Manohar was available to teams at a base price of INR 30 lakh. However, no one seemed interested when his name was announced at the auction. CSK could have used his services, especially after letting go of two experienced finishers like Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja last month. Maybe a disappointing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign for Manohar with the bat influenced CSK's decision-makers not to raise the paddle for him.
2. Mahipal Lomror
Mahipal Lomror is just 26 years old but has represented four IPL franchises so far. His all-round skills could have come in handy for the Super Kings. While not exactly a like-for-like replacement for Jadeja, Lomror could have chipped in with a couple of overs and his ability to play as a floater would have given the five-time champions a lot of options.
Being a left-handed batter, Lomror could have complemented CSK's right-hand-heavy batting line-up. The Nagaur-born was also among the most experienced uncapped players available at the auction, as he has already played 40 IPL matches. He could have been used in the finishers' role by CSK.
1. Prithvi Shaw
Like Sarfaraz, Prithvi also went unsold initially before being bought by the Delhi Capitals at his base price of INR 75 lakh. A section of fans had expected the five-time champions to go for Prithvi as he plays domestic cricket alongside skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad in the Maharashtra team. They share a great bond as Ruturaj handed his Player of the Match award to the Thane-born in a Ranji Trophy clash this season.
Prithvi could have formed a formidable opening partnership with Sanju Samson at the top of the order. However, with Ayush Mhatre impressing with the bat last season, the Men in Yellow gave themselves the option to play him at the top of the order, and Sarfaraz can be used in the finishers' role.
