The IPL 2026 IPL auction once again delivered high drama, unexpected twists, and intense debates among fans and cricket experts. Held on December 16, the mini-auction saw several well-known Indian players struggle to attract early bids, while franchises carefully balanced squad depth, future planning, and budget constraints. One of the most talked-about moments was the fate of star Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan, whose journey at the auction table perfectly reflected the unpredictable nature of the Indian Premier League.
Sarfaraz Khan went unsold in the first round of the IPL 2026 auction, raising eyebrows across the cricketing world. However, in the accelerated bidding round, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stepped in and secured him at his base price of ₹75 lakh. With this move, Sarfaraz marked his return to the IPL after a gap of three seasons, reigniting hopes of a fresh chapter in his T20 career.
While Sarfaraz’s comeback story is inspiring, many analysts believe that CSK may have overlooked other domestic talents who could have better suited the franchise’s tactical needs for IPL 2026. Given Chennai’s long-standing philosophy of role-based selections, experience, and adaptability, the decision to sign Sarfaraz has sparked discussions about alternative options available during the IPL 2026 IPL auction.
Below is a detailed look at Sarfaraz Khan’s selection, followed by three Indian players CSK could have considered instead, based on team balance, versatility, and match-winning potential.
Sarfaraz Khan’s IPL 2026 Comeback: The Context
Sarfaraz Khan’s return to the IPL did not happen by chance. The right-handed batter earned his recall largely due to his exceptional performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. In that tournament, Sarfaraz showcased explosive form, scoring 329 runs in seven innings at an outstanding average of 65.80 and a staggering strike rate of 203.39.
Such numbers naturally drew attention from IPL scouts. Sarfaraz demonstrated clean hitting, composure under pressure, and the ability to dominate spin and pace alike-qualities highly valued in modern T20 cricket. CSK’s decision to bring him in at a modest price appeared, on the surface, to be a low-risk, high-reward move.
However, critics argue that Sarfaraz’s role in the CSK setup remains unclear. With established middle-order options and a strong Indian core, questions persist about whether Sarfaraz will get consistent game time or fit seamlessly into Chennai’s tactical framework during IPL 2026.
This uncertainty has led many to suggest that CSK could have explored other domestic options during the IPL 2026 IPL auction, players who may have addressed specific gaps in the squad more effectively.
Why Squad Balance Matters for CSK
Chennai Super Kings have built their legacy on smart squad construction rather than flashy signings. Over the years, the franchise has prioritized:
- Multi-skilled players
- Strong domestic performers
- Adaptability to different match situations
- Calm temperament under pressure
Heading into IPL 2026, CSK already possess a solid top order, reliable finishers, and experienced all-rounders. As a result, the franchise’s biggest requirement was arguably flexibility-players who could bat in multiple positions, chip in with the ball, or provide tactical depth.
Keeping this in mind, here are three Indian players CSK could have targeted instead of Sarfaraz Khan during the IPL 2026 auction.
3. Abhinav Manohar
Base Price: ₹30 lakh
Role: Middle-order power-hitter
Abhinav Manohar entered the IPL 2026 IPL auction with a reputation as one of India’s cleanest hitters. Having previously represented Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Manohar has shown glimpses of his destructive batting ability, even though he failed to produce consistent performances in the last IPL season.
Despite modest returns, expectations were high that franchises would bid aggressively for him due to his raw power and ability to clear boundaries at will. Surprisingly, when his name came up in the auction, no team showed interest, and he went unsold at his base price of ₹30 lakh.
From CSK’s perspective, Manohar could have been a strategic addition. His strengths align well with Chennai’s needs:
- Ability to accelerate in the middle and death overs
- Comfort against spin on slower pitches like Chepauk
- Potential to play the role of a finisher or impact substitute
Unlike Sarfaraz, Manohar is naturally suited to high-tempo innings and could have provided CSK with an aggressive batting option in crunch situations. At a lower base price, he also represented excellent value for money during the IPL 2026 IPL auction.
2. Mahipal Lomror
Age: 26
Role: Batting all-rounder
Mahipal Lomror may not be a headline-grabbing name, but his versatility makes him an attractive asset in T20 cricket. At just 26 years old, Lomror has already represented four different IPL franchises, gaining valuable experience across varying team environments.
A left-handed batter who can bowl useful spin, Lomror offers the kind of flexibility CSK traditionally values. While he may not be a like-for-like replacement for Ravindra Jadeja, he brings several tactical advantages:
- Can bat as a floater depending on match situations
- Offers part-time spin bowling options
- Strong boundary-hitting ability against pace
During the IPL 2026 IPL auction, Lomror’s all-round skill set could have strengthened CSK’s bench and provided cover in case of injuries or rotation. His ability to adapt to multiple roles would have given the five-time champions more combinations, especially in matches where pitch conditions demanded balance rather than outright aggression.
In comparison, Sarfaraz Khan is primarily a specialist batter, limiting flexibility in team selection. Lomror’s inclusion might have aligned more closely with CSK’s long-term squad-building philosophy.
1. Prithvi Shaw
Base Price: ₹75 lakh
Role: Top-order batter
Perhaps the most debated omission from CSK’s shopping list at the IPL 2026 IPL auction was Prithvi Shaw. Like Sarfaraz Khan, Shaw initially went unsold in the first round, a shocking development considering his pedigree and past IPL performances. Eventually, Delhi Capitals snapped him up at his base price of ₹75 lakh.
Many fans believed CSK would make a move for Shaw, especially given his strong personal and professional connection with CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Both players have represented Maharashtra in domestic cricket and share excellent on-field chemistry.
This bond was evident during a Ranji Trophy match earlier this season, where Gaikwad handed his Player of the Match award to Shaw, praising his contribution and commitment. Such camaraderie could have translated into a formidable opening partnership for CSK in IPL 2026.
From a tactical standpoint, Shaw offers:
- Explosive starts in the powerplay
- Proven IPL experience as an opener
- Aggressive intent that puts bowlers under early pressure
Pairing Shaw with Gaikwad could have given CSK one of the most dynamic Indian opening combinations in the tournament. In contrast, Sarfaraz’s batting role overlaps with existing middle-order players, making Shaw arguably a better fit for Chennai’s squad balance.
Also read: RCB vs PBKS: A Detailed Chronicle of One of the IPL’s Most Intriguing Rivalries
Conclusion: Was CSK’s Decision Right?
The IPL 2026 IPL auction is not just about talent-it’s about timing, team strategy, and long-term vision. Sarfaraz Khan’s signing by Chennai Super Kings is undoubtedly a calculated gamble. His recent domestic form suggests he has matured as a batter, and under CSK’s calm leadership environment, he could flourish.
However, cricket experts and fans alike cannot ignore the alternatives. Players like Abhinav Manohar, Mahipal Lomror, and Prithvi Shaw each offered unique strengths that may have addressed specific gaps in CSK’s lineup more effectively.
As IPL 2026 unfolds, the true impact of CSK’s auction decisions will only become clear on the field. Whether Sarfaraz Khan emerges as a key contributor or remains a bench option will determine how this move is remembered in the broader narrative of the IPL 2026 IPL auction.
One thing is certain: the auction has once again proven why the Indian Premier League remains the most scrutinized and passionately followed cricket league in the world.
