Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Nov 25 (UNI) Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan, despite his impressive performances for India in Test cricket, went unsold at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction, leaving cricket experts and fans puzzled.
The 27-year-old batsman had played a vital role in India’s Test series against New Zealand earlier this year.
In his debut Test in Rajkot, Sarfaraz smashed half-centuries in both the innings, emulating Sunil Gavaskar’s stunning record against West Indies in 1971. Against New Zealand, while India fell short in the Chinnaswamy Test, Sarfaraz’s fighting knock of 150 runs in the second innings earned praise for his determination and technique on a challenging track.
Despite his proven ability to handle pressure and adapt to challenging conditions, Sarfaraz found no takers at the auction. Analysts attribute the snub to his limited T20 credentials, which may have overshadowed his stellar performances in longer formats.
Sarfaraz, who last played for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023, has had stints with Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore but has struggled to cement his place in the tournament.
This year’s auction once again underscored the IPL’s focus on T20 specialists, with franchises prioritising allrounders and power-hitters over players with traditional batting strengths.
Many believe the Mumbai batsmen’s ability to anchor innings and play spin effectively could have added value to teams looking for stability in their middle order. However, his omission highlights the growing divide between Test cricket success and IPL marketability.
While the auction snub is a setback, Sarfaraz’s recent Test heroics have bolstered his reputation as a player capable of performing on the biggest stage. He is expected to use this disappointment as fuel to enhance his game and make a stronger impact in future IPL seasons.
Right now, he is included in Team India for the five-match Test series in Australia.
