Sarfaraz Khan puts CSK, RCB, MI & others on notice before IPL auction with maiden T20 ton
Published - 02 Dec 2025, 04:29 PM | Updated - 02 Dec 2025, 04:34 PM
Sarfaraz Khan made a stunning impact in his return to T20 cricket by scoring his maiden century in the format during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match between Mumbai and Assam. The 28-year-old batter’s knock came before the IPL 2026 mini auction, which is set to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16.
Mumbai were asked to bat first at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday, December 2. In-form opener Ayush Mhatre, who had scored centuries in his previous two games, perished early in the fourth over. Sarfaraz walked in at number three and began his innings quietly, taking his time to settle at the crease.
Sarfaraz Khan Smashes Maiden T20 Century in SMAT
Sarfaraz Khan shifted to an aggressive approach and began clearing the ropes with ease. The right-handed batter reached his century on the penultimate ball of the Mumbai innings. He scored 100 runs off 47 balls, including eight fours and seven sixes.
He also added a quick 50-run partnership with India captain Suryakumar Yadav. His knock helped Mumbai reach an impressive total of 220 for four in their 20 overs.
Sarfaraz, who last played a T20 match on November 2, 2023, earned his place in the XI in place of Shivam Dube and made the most of the opportunity by batting higher up the order.
The innings came at an important time for Mumbai, especially as they are likely to lose Suryakumar Yadav and possibly Dube in the next round of SMAT matches due to international duties.
Sarfaraz Khan Sends Strong Message to CSK, RCB, MI, and More Before IPL Auction
Before this knock, Sarfaraz Khan’s highest score in the format was 67. He has scored 1,288 runs in 97 T20 matches at an average of just over 24 and a strike rate above 132. The right-handed batter has scored 585 runs in 50 IPL games.
After going unsold in the 2025 IPL auction, Sarfaraz Khan has thrown his name into the pool, and this century could give him a strong chance of making an IPL comeback.
Khan has not played in the last two IPL seasons. He struggled to find consistency during his stints with Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where he registered only one IPL half-century back in 2019.
Ishan Kishan Shines in SMAT 2025; Devdutt Padikkal Hits Century for Karnataka
Ishan Kishan is leading Jharkhand in SMAT 2025. On Tuesday, he scored 93 runs from 50 balls against Saurashtra in Ahmedabad. The left-handed batter hit 11 fours and 3 sixes while opening the innings.
Ishan was close to getting another century but got out to Jaydev Unadkat in the 17th over. In the previous match, he had scored an unbeaten 113 from 50 balls.
In another game, Devdutt Padikkal performed brilliantly for Karnataka against Tamil Nadu. He remained not out on 102 from 46 balls, including 10 fours and 6 sixes, and helped Karnataka win by 145 runs.
Also read: Glenn Maxwell issues official statement on not putting his name in IPL 2026 auction
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Sai Vaitla is an author at Cricketaddictor and he has been working since September 2022. Sai Vaitla...
