The stage is ready for the IPL 2026 mini-auction, and the highlight has firmly turned onto Indian middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan. Lengthy seen as a red-ball specialist regardless of an explosive begin to his IPL profession, the star has delivered a well timed and emphatic assertion of intent. Simply weeks earlier than the public sale, Sarfaraz smashed his maiden T20 century—an electrifying 47-ball 100*—for Mumbai within the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) in opposition to Assam, an innings that completely showcased his power-hitting and adaptableness.
This blistering knock, coming after a interval of restricted T20 alternatives, serves as a strong reminder of his expertise and can undoubtedly place him excessive on the want lists of a number of franchises. Whereas his IPL profession stats present 40 matches, 441 runs, a excessive rating of 67, 50 fours, and 11 sixes, the latest SMAT century at a blistering strike price proves he has developed his T20 sport. Let’s take a look at some franchises that may, and will, goal Sarfaraz within the upcoming mini-auction.
5 groups that may go for Sarfaraz Khan in IPL 2026 mini public sale
1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR enters the public sale with the biggest remaining purse and has traditionally proven a willingness to put money into Indian middle-order firepower. Following the discharge of Andre Russell, KKR may search for a flexible Indian batter who can rotate strike and speed up sharply, providing an anchor or an aggressor position within the center overs.
Sarfaraz gives a dependable Indian possibility who can bat at quantity 4 or 5. His latest century, achieved whereas sustaining a excessive strike price, completely aligns with KKR’s usually aggressive batting philosophy. With a must rebuild and a big funds to spend, KKR may very well be prepared to make a excessive bid.
2. Lucknow Tremendous Giants (LSG)
The Lucknow franchise has usually relied on a mixture of established worldwide and Indian stars, and the discharge of David Miller has created a transparent void for an skilled, but explosive, middle-order batter who can deal with strain.
Sarfaraz’s maturity and his potential to anchor an innings whereas scoring quick may very well be exactly what LSG wants. His expertise batting with the Mumbai core suggests he can match right into a high-pressure setup. He affords an Indian middle-order stability that LSG usually seeks to enrich their high order.
3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – The Homecoming?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru is the place Sarfaraz first made his mark within the IPL, debuting at a younger age. With RCB holding an honest purse and trying to fill slots to problem for the title, they is perhaps tempted to deliver again a well-recognized face who’s now a way more rounded participant.
RCB have usually struggled with a constant Indian middle-order presence, relying closely on their high three. Sarfaraz can present that much-needed solidity and acceleration within the center overs. The nostalgia issue, mixed along with his present kind, makes him a compelling goal for a possible RCB reunion.
Additionally READ: IPL 2026: 5 franchises that can target Abhimanyu Easwaran in the mini-auction
4. Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans have been identified for his or her shrewd public sale picks, specializing in gamers who ship excessive worth. They usually desire versatile Indian gamers who can adapt to totally different match conditions. The crew’s technique is to construct a well-rounded Indian core.
GT wants gamers who can step up in varied roles. Sarfaraz’s adaptability, showcased in his maiden T20 hundred the place he constructed an innings, could be extremely valued by their administration. He might fill a task at quantity 4 or 5, appearing as a vital bridge between the highest order and the lower-order hitters.
5. Mumbai Indians (MI)
Regardless of having the smallest purse remaining, Mumbai Indians are identified for backing their native gamers, and Sarfaraz is a Mumbai home star. MI usually operates strategically, specializing in securing high-impact Indian gamers who match into their long-term imaginative and prescient.
If MI prioritise a powerful, versatile native batter within the center order and might safe him at an inexpensive value, Sarfaraz could be a really perfect match. He’s accustomed to the Wankhede pitch and the MI crew surroundings. His presence would additionally reinforce the home Mumbai contingent throughout the squad.
Additionally READ: IPL 2026: 5 teams that can target Andre Russell in the mini-auction
