How Did Sarfaraz Khan Perform In His Last IPL Match For Delhi Capitals?
Sarfaraz Khan in IPL 2023 (Source: @Piuuuushhh2004/x.com)
Sarfaraz Khan's maiden Test century on October 19 (today) against New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in the first Test match has further solidified his reputation as a rising star in Indian cricket. The young Indian batter, who has been prolific in domestic cricket, translated his form to the international stage, playing a crucial role in India’s remarkable comeback in the first Test.
His positive intent and aggressive batting under pressure have drawn attention, sparking speculation about his potential impact in future IPL seasons. This knock could make him a hot commodity in the upcoming 2025 IPL auctions as franchises look to bolster their squads with a reliable middle-order batter.
Sarfaraz Khan’s IPL Journey: A Mixed Bag So Far
Sarfaraz Khan's IPL career has seen flashes of brilliance, though he is yet to establish himself as a consistent performer fully. He has played for the Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore franchises.
In 50 IPL matches, Sarfaraz has accumulated 585 runs at an average of 22.50 and a strike rate of 130.58. Despite not having eye-popping numbers, his ability to play quick, aggressive innings makes him a valuable asset in the shorter format.
His last IPL appearance was for Delhi Capitals in 2023, during their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. Unfortunately, Sarfaraz could only manage 9 runs from 10 balls before being dismissed. Delhi Capitals fell short in their chase and lost the match by nine runs. While his performance in that match wasn’t memorable, his overall potential as a dynamic player remains intact.
In that game, Sunrisers Hyderabad ended their three-match losing streak, thanks to an impressive all-round performance. Abhishek Sharma’s quickfire 67 off 36 balls and Heinrich Klaasen’s unbeaten 53 off 27 deliveries helped SRH post a formidable total of 197.
For Delhi Capitals, Mitchell Marsh was the standout performer with the ball, taking 4 for 27, including a double-wicket maiden. Despite DC’s efforts, they could only muster 188 for 7 in their 20 overs, with Mayank Markande's economical 2 for 20 sealing the victory for SRH.
Sarfaraz Khan’s IPL Future
Sarfaraz Khan’s recent Test century could rejuvenate his IPL prospects, particularly as franchises often scout for players who can bring momentum in crucial matches. His experience in domestic cricket, combined with his recent international success, could make him a sought-after player in the next IPL season.