3 teams who should target Sarfaraz Khan in IPL 2026 Auction ft. CSK

Star batter Sarfaraz Khan struck his maiden T20 hundred in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26. Playing for Mumbai, he played a superb knock against Assam on December 2 at Lucknow.

Mumbai batted first and posted a massive total of 220/4 on the board. Sarfaraz Khan, batting at number three, blasted an unbeaten 100 off just 47 balls. His blistering knock included eight boundaries and seven maximums at a strike-rate of 212.76.

Assam were bowled out for 122 in 19.1 overs as Mumbai won comfortably by 98 runs. Sarfaraz last played in the IPL in the 2023 season. He was unsold in the 2024 auction as well as the 2025 mega auction. The right-hander has represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Delhi Capitals (DC) so far. In 50 games, he has scored 585 runs with a strike-rate of 130.58.

However, looking at his current form, there is a good chance of him returning to the league. That said, here are three teams that should target Sarfaraz Khan in the IPL 2026 auction.

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#3 Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have a strong top-order with Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and Nicholas Pooran, who all did well last year. However, with all three being overseas players, LSG lacked quality Indian batters in the middle.

Rishabh Pant also struggled to get going throughout the season, except for their final game. Apart from Pant, the likes of Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, and Shahbaz Ahmed were their only Indian batters.

A reliable Indian batter in the middle with the power-hitting ability is what LSG need. Sarfaraz Khan could be the perfect choice for them, who can also take some pressure off Pant in the middle and bring in stability.

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#2 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will need to find an Indian batter who can bring flexibility and stability to their batting order. While they will look for an aggressive overseas opener, they need Indian batters who can absorb pressure if early wickets fall and still score at a decent pace

Sarfaraz Khan, a middle‑order Indian batter who can stabilise at number four or five and then accelerate, perfectly fits the bill. Having an additional Indian batting option in the middle will allow KKR to go hard for overseas players who they need at various slots.

Moreover, Sarfaraz can rotate strike and attack spinners in the middle, which is an ability that can come in handy on a pitch like the Eden Gardens, where spinners often come into play in the middle overs.

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#1 Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

With Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran traded out, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will need a quality batter in the middle who can also play the role of a finisher. They need reliable Indian batters from the positions of number four to number six.

While Shivam Dube can be their number four, Sarfaraz Khan can slot in at five or six, along with Dewald Brevis, giving them a solid middle and lower-middle order. While Sarfaraz has been ignored over the last two seasons, a franchise like CSK, which has backed Indian talent, could just be the team he needs.

Further, his ability to rotate strike and play the spinners well will benefit the team, given the conditions at their home ground in Chepauk. Transitioning from Jadeja and MS Dhoni, Sarfaraz could be a long-term pick for CSK in their batting order.