Reports: Kolkata Knight Riders to acquire Sarfaraz Khan's services for IPL 2024

Sarfaraz Khan is reportedly set to join the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the forthcoming edition. He made his IPL debut with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) after being signed by the team in 2015 and was eventually released by them ahead of the 2019 season. Punjab Kings (PBKS) acquired him for the next season, while in February 2022, and he was bought by the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the auction. Prior to the IPL 2024 players' auction, DC released him for a base price of Rs 20 lakhs. 

According to a report in Anandabazar Patrika, a Bengali daily, KKR's newly-appointed mentor Gautam Gambhir has been advocating to sign the 26-year-old. In addition, the report claims that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have expressed interest in signing him following his outstanding Test debut. Remarkably, the three teams still have enough cash on hand to sign Sarfaraz. RCB and KKR have Rs 2.85 crore and Rs 1.35 crore, respectively, while Chennai Super Kings have Rs 1 crore.
 
He had previously played for RCB, PBKS, and DC, although he never really made an impression in any of the seasons. With a strike rate of 85.48 and an average of 13.25, he has only amassed 53 runs in four innings during the 2023 IPL for DC. With an average of 22.5 and a strike rate of 130.58, he scored only 585 runs in 50 games during the course of his IPL campaign.

Also read: Sarfaraz Khan is good example for budding cricketers, who must keep scoring consistently, says Sourav Ganguly

Sarfaraz Khan makes impressive international debut

Sarfaraz Khan received his maiden India call-up in 2024, following the injuries of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul in the first Test against England in Hyderabad. He has made headlines since Anil Kumble gave him the international cap ahead of India's third Test match in Rajkot. The 26-year-old had an instant impact, scoring 62 off 66 balls but was unfortunately run out by Jadeja. He then made an unbeaten 68 off 72 balls in the second innings, which was crucial to India's 434-run triumph over England.