Reports: RCB, KKR and CSK in line to sign Sarfaraz Khan ahead of IPL 2024

Sarfaraz Khan had a dream start to his Test career as he registered twin fifties in his first international outing during the third Test against England in Rajkot. The 26-year-old played brilliant knocks of 62 (66) and 68* (72) as India registered their biggest win in terms of runs (434). However, despite plundering runs in domestic cricket since 2019, the Mumbai batter has failed to replicate his success in IPL.

Sarfaraz was released by his franchise Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of IPL 2024 as he scored just 53 runs from four matches. Recently, Delhi Capitals’ Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly revealed the reason behind releasing Sarfaraz calling him a ‘five-day’ player.

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"I think he is more of a five-day player. His game is suited for that. T20 is a different format and the amount of runs he has scored in domestic cricket - in Ranji Trophy and other First-class games is phenomenal. And as they say, if you score runs, it doesn't go waste," Ganguly told RevSportz.

Sarfaraz made his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) IN 2015 at the age of 17. He played some notable cameos for his side scoring 111 runs at a strike rate of 156.33 with a highest score of 45*. Sarfaraz was bought by Punjab Kings for INR 25 Lakh ahead of IPL 2019 and had his best ever season scoring 180 runs from eight matches at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 125.87.

Gautam Gambhir showing interest to sign Sarfaraz

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After a couple of quiet seasons for Punjab, he shifted to Delhi in 2022. Meanwhile, after being released by DC, Sarfaraz is reportedly being approached by three franchises ahead of IPL 2024. According to a report in Anandabazar Patrika, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has shown interest in bringing Sarfaraz onboard.  However, they’re likely to face tough competition from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore have also shown interest in buying him.