'CSK should look at riding his purple patch' - Former India spinner wants five-time champions to have in-form Sarfaraz Khan in starting line-up

Sarfaraz Khan has been in the form of his life in white-ball cricket in the ongoing Indian domestic season. Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) should give

him opportunities, having acquired his services for INR 75 lakh at the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

During the first phase of the Ranji Trophy, Sarfaraz couldn't make a mark as he averaged 29.67 in six innings. However, he became a different beast altogether in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. The right-handed batter amassed 329 runs in seven innings at an average of 65.80 and a strike rate of 203.08. He carried that form into the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he has aggregated 220 runs in three innings at an average of 110 and a strike rate of 170.54.

After the 28-year-old scored a mind-boggling 157 off 75 balls against Goa on Wednesday, December 31, at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground in Jaipur, he earned praise from the legendary Ashwin, who batted for his selection in CSK's starting line-up in IPL 2026.

"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!" tweeted Ashwin.

As Ashwin mentioned, the five-time champions do have several batting options in their repertoire. While they have traded Sanju Samson into the setup, there are the likes of Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who are expected to take spots in the batting order. Also, uncapped players Kartik Sharma (wicketkeeper) and Prashant Veer (all-rounder), who were roped in for INR 14.20 crore each, are likely to feature in the CSK line-up from the start of the season.