Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will face Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Indians (MI) in their upcoming IPL 2026 clash on Saturday, May 2. The five-time IPL champions are facing troubles to identify a perfect team combination, as Ravichandran Ashwin offers a simple fix ahead of the clash against MI.
Ravichandran Ashwin backs Sarfaraz Khan
On his official YouTube Channel, Ravichandran Ashwin has urged CSK to feature Sarfaraz Khan as a designated No3. batter instead of using him as an Impact player. The former India all-rounder believes that Sarfaraz Khan has been the best batter for CSK other than Sanju Samson, who has already scored two centuries in the tournament.
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“I am saying just one thing, Chennai should lock Sarfaraz Khan to No. 3. Don’t keep him in impact because he has been your best batter this season apart from Sanju Samson. So, fix him at No. 3," said Ashwin.
Further speaking on the topic, Ashwin suggested that CSK could use Akeal Hosein as an Impact sub in case of a collapse to bank on a deeper batting lineup.
"If you lose wickets early, then use Akeal Hosein or any other lower-order batters who can bat," added Ashwin.
How Sarfaraz Khan has fared for CSK in IPL 2026
The star right-handed batter is going through a fine form for the Yellow Army in the ongoing season, amassing 161 runs at an average of 23.00 with an impactful strike rate of 169.47, with his highest score of 50 off 25 coming against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
However, Sarfaraz Khan's stats do not justify his impact in the team but he has been the most settled batter for CSK in the 2026 season.