Sarfaraz Khan finally reacts after getting 'CSK' lifeline in IPL 2026 auction following two-year-long snub

India's star batter Sarfaraz Khan shared an emotional reaction on social media after being signed by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during the IPL 2026 Mini-Auction. The five-time champions secured the prolific run-scorer at his base price of 75 lakh, bringing an end to his stint as an unsold player for the last two season. The signing came at the perfect moment, as Sarfaraz had just reinforced his credentials by smashing a blistering 73 off only 22 balls in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match just hours before the auction began.

Thank you so much, CSK for giving me new life: Sarfaraz Khan

Expressing his gratitude on Instagram, Sarfaraz posted a video story where he thanked the franchise for the opportunity, stating that joining CSK had given his career a "new life."

"Thank you so much, CSK for giving me new life," Sarfaraz Instagram story read.

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Having been a standout performer on the domestic circuit for several seasons, the move to Chennai marks a significant milestone for the batter, who was ultimately the sixth player picked by the team during the event.

Sarfaraz’s move to CSK marks his return to the IPL after a significant hiatus. He last appeared in the tournament for the Delhi Capitals in 2023 during a fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad. His return is backed by an incredible run in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he has been in blistering form, amassing 329 runs across seven innings at an average of nearly 47 and an explosive strike rate of 203.

Kartik, Prashant make waves at IPL 2026 auction

CSK made major waves by investing heavily in youth at the auction. Uncapped players Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer created history as the franchise secured each for a staggering Rs 14.20 crore. This makes them the joint-most expensive uncapped players in IPL history, signaling a clear shift in CSK's strategy toward long-term talent. The team further bolstered its roster with international experience, signing West Indies all-rounder Akeal Hosein for Rs 2 crore, along with Matt Henry and Rahul Chahar.

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List of CSK's bought players at the IPL 2026 auction:

Kartik Sharma (14.20 cr), Prashant Veer (14.20 cr), Rahul Chahar (5.20 cr), Akeal Hosein (2 cr), Matt Henry (2 cr), Matthew Short (1.50 cr), Aman Khan (40 L), Sarfaraz Khan (75 L), Zakary Foulkes (75 L)

CSK's full squad after the auction:

Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, M.S. Dhoni, Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Shreyas Gopal, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Akeal Hosein, Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma, Matthew Short, Aman Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Matt Henry, Rahul Chahar, Zak Foulkes.