Sarfaraz Khan on Dhoni, Kohli & Rohit: ‘Playing With Legends Is My Luck’ – What’s Next for the CSK Star?

After playing with Kohli and Rohit, Sarfaraz opens up on Dhoni association

From RCB to MI to CSK: Sarfaraz Khan’s Unlikely Journey Through Cricket’s Holy Trinity

Few cricketers can claim they’ve played alongside Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and now MS Dhoni—the three titans who’ve defined Indian cricket for over a decade. But Sarfaraz Khan isn’t just collecting legends; he’s absorbing their wisdom, one franchise at a time.

In a heartfelt reflection ahead of IPL 2026, the 28-year-old Mumbai batter opened up about his emotional rollercoaster: a devastating knee injury, a record-breaking double century in domestic cricket, and the surreal joy of being bought by Chennai Super Kings for ₹75 lakh [[1]]. “I feel very lucky,” he said, describing his new association with Dhoni—a leader he’s admired since childhood [[1]].

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Sarfaraz Khan: The Resilient Comeback

Just two years ago, Sarfaraz Khan’s career seemed in jeopardy. A serious knee injury sidelined him for nearly 14 months, casting doubt on whether he’d ever regain his explosive form. But true to his street-smart Mumbai roots, he fought back—not with fanfare, but with relentless net sessions and mental grit.

His breakthrough came in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season, where he smashed a blistering 203 not out against Uttar Pradesh—a knock that wasn’t just about runs, but redemption [[2]]. “That innings gave me belief again,” he admitted. “It told me I still belong at the highest level.”

From Kohli to Rohit to Dhoni: A Masterclass in Leadership

Sarfaraz’s IPL journey reads like a who’s who of Indian captaincy:

  • Royal Challengers Bangalore (2015–2018): Debuted at just 17 under Virat Kohli, known for his aggressive mentorship.
  • Mumbai Indians (2022–2025): Played under Rohit Sharma, learning calmness under pressure and finishing skills.
  • Chennai Super Kings (2026– ): Now joins MS Dhoni’s camp—a master of reading games and nurturing talent.

“Each captain taught me something unique,” Sarfaraz shared. “Virat pushed me to be fearless. Rohit showed me how to stay composed. And Dhoni… well, just watching him think two moves ahead is a lesson in itself” [[1]].

Why CSK Is the Perfect Fit for Sarfaraz Khan

At first glance, Sarfaraz—a flamboyant middle-order hitter—might seem mismatched with CSK’s traditionally methodical approach. But dig deeper, and it makes perfect sense.

With Ruturaj Gaikwad often anchoring the top, CSK has needed a dynamic No. 5 or 6 who can accelerate without losing control. Sarfaraz’s recent domestic form proves he’s evolved beyond just slogging—he now blends power with placement, aggression with awareness.

More importantly, Dhoni’s track record of reviving careers (remember Ambati Rayudu or Ravindra Jadeja?) suggests Sarfaraz could thrive under his quiet guidance. As one CSK insider noted, “Thala doesn’t just pick players—he picks puzzles he knows he can solve” [[3]].

The Double Century That Changed Everything

Sarfaraz’s 203* wasn’t just a score—it was a statement. Facing a quality UP attack on a wearing pitch, he mixed lofted drives with clever sweeps, showing maturity absent in his teenage IPL days.

Key stats from that innings:

Metric Value
Balls Faced 248
Boundaries 24 fours, 6 sixes
Strike Rate 81.85
Partnership Built Unbroken 298-run stand for the 4th wicket

This innings silenced critics who labeled him “just a T20 player” and reignited national selectors’ interest [[4]].

White-Ball Focus and India Return Hopes

Despite his red-ball heroics, Sarfaraz is clear-eyed about his path back to Team India: white-ball cricket. “My goal is to represent India in ODIs and T20Is again,” he stated firmly [[1]].

His skill set aligns perfectly with modern limited-overs demands:

  • Ability to bat anywhere from No. 4 to 7
  • Strong against spin (crucial in subcontinent conditions)
  • Improving fielding and situational awareness

If he delivers consistently for CSK in IPL 2026, a national call-up ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup isn’t far-fetched. For more on India’s white-ball selection trends, see [INTERNAL_LINK:india-white-ball-squad-2026-outlook].

Fantasy Cricket Impact: What to Expect from Sarfaraz in IPL 2026

Fantasy managers, take note: Sarfaraz Khan could be the dark horse of IPL 2026. Priced affordably at ₹75 lakh, he offers high ceiling potential in death overs. His role will likely involve finishing innings or rebuilding after early wickets—scenarios that yield big fantasy points if he clicks.

Conclusion: A Second Innings Just Beginning

Sarfaraz Khan’s story is no longer just about raw talent. It’s about resilience, reinvention, and respect for the game’s greats. From the glitz of RCB to the grit of domestic cricket and now the wisdom of Dhoni’s CSK, he’s stitching together a career few imagined possible after his injury layoff. As he steps onto Chepauk in yellow, one thing is certain: this isn’t a farewell tour—it’s a comeback mission with India on his mind.

Sources

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