Overview:
Raina noted that a player’s current performances should matter more than name value, particularly in a mini-auction.
Former Chennai Super Kings batter Suresh Raina has advised the franchise to look at Sarfaraz Khan as a potential pick in the IPL 2026 auction. Raina said Sarfaraz’s current domestic form makes him a sensible and budget-friendly option for a team that typically backs players who match their style and handle pressure well.
During the IPL 2026 Auction War Room discussion, Raina noted that a player’s current performances should matter more than name value, particularly in a mini-auction. He referred to past expensive signings who took time to justify their price and praised Sarfaraz Khan for his confidence, shot-making ability, and readiness to deliver right away.
“From what I’m seeing, he’s in excellent touch right now. We’ve seen in the past when Venkatesh Iyer went for a huge price that his form didn’t immediately match the amount spent. Sarfaraz, though, is batting superbly at the moment. Players like him aren’t easy to find, especially with the variety and confidence he brings,” Raina said.
“Given the form Sarfaraz is showing, even if he features in just four or six matches and helps you win two of them, paying INR 7 crore would still feel worth it. Chennai’s surface demands solid technique, and if he settles into a setup like CSK where the priority is winning, I believe the team will gain a lot from the kind of touch he’s in right now,” he added.
Sarfaraz further strengthened his auction prospects with an explosive performance for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Super League B clash against Haryana.He smashed 64 runs from just 25 deliveries, striking nine boundaries and clearing the ropes three times, using innovative shots like ramps and laps to underline his form at a key moment.
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