Former Indian captain and Chennai Super Kings star Mahendra Singh Dhoni was recently fined INR 1000 by the Ranchi traffic police for overspeeding. According to reports, his vehicle was caught violating traffic rules ahead of IPL 2026.

Amid this, CSK’s new signing, Sarfaraz Khan, brought smiles to Dhoni during a practice session. In a video from the session, the teammates were playing football when Sarfaraz, instinctively, took the ball in his hands, forgetting it was a football. Dhoni’s priceless reaction quickly followed, showing his amusement at the moment. The incident highlighted a light-hearted side of CSK’s training sessions ahead of IPL 2026, while also giving fans a glimpse of the team’s camaraderie and Dhoni’s legendary sense of humour.

Watch MS Dhoni's reaction when Sarfaraz Khan interrupted the game: 

Whole Team And Mainly MSD Reaction When Sarfaraz Took Football Ball In Hand 😂🤦‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/azAzE2nUJs

— CricketSanctum (@SanctumCricket) March 3, 2026

Training Fun and Team Updates Ahead of IPL 2026

Cricketers playing football during training sessions is not new. MS Dhoni used to play as a goalkeeper in school before his childhood coach guided him toward cricket. The 44-year-old also played in a celebrity football league with Bollywood stars a few years ago.

On the cricket front, Dhoni is likely to play his last season in the tournament. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 196 runs in 13 innings with a strike rate of 135.17 in the last season. His team, Chennai Super Kings, finished at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table with only four wins in 14 matches. The team will try to improve in the 2026 season.

The five-time champions started their training for the new season on March 1. According to reports, the IPL 2026 season may begin on March 28.

See also -Watch: Sarfaraz Khan smashed 30 runs against Abhishek Sharma

Sarfaraz Khan's recent forms 

Sarfaraz Khan has been in excellent form since the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. He scored 329 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 203.08, including one century and three half-centuries.

The 28-year-old continued his form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025, scoring 303 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 190.56. He also scored 227 runs in a Ranji Trophy match against Hyderabad during the 2025-26 season and finished the season with 429 runs in nine innings at an average of 53.62.

CSK bought Sarfaraz Khan for INR 75 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction. He is the fifth wicketkeeper in the squad after Dhoni, Sanju Samson, Urvil Patel, and Kartik Sharma. The young batter will now try to keep his good batting form in the IPL.

Ahead of their quarter-final clash against Karnataka from the 2025/26 season of the Ranji Trophy, Mumbai have experienced a major injury setback as their star batter, Sarfaraz Khan, has been hospitalized due to a viral fever and is in doubt for the fixture, which starts on February 06 at the MCA ground in BKC, as the Times of India (TOI) has reported.

Sarfaraz Khan was with the Mumbai side when the legendary Sachin Tendulkar held a special session with the side to encourage the players for the knockout clash. Sarfaraz faced a hamstring injury against Delhi in their previous home game and was out for 27 balls for 24 runs in the first innings.

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“Sarfaraz has viral fever and has been hospitalized. He is unwell, and that’s why he couldn't come out to the field also in Mumbai's last match against Delhi. At the moment, it’s unclear if Sarfaraz will recover in time for the Karnataka match.” The TOI report has been noted ahead of the Karnataka clash.

Sarfaraz Khan doubtful for Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy 2025/26 quarter-final clash

Sarfaraz has been out of the Indian Test side since November 2024, having made his debut in February that year. The right-handed batter has smashed a total of 371 runs in 11 innings for the national side at an average of 37.10 and a strike rate of 74.94, scoring three half-centuries and one century, which was converted to his highest score of 150 against New Zealand in Bengaluru.

Sarfaraz has been a veteran member in first-class cricket. The 28-year-old has overall drilled 5114 runs in 92 innings at an average of 64.73 and a strike rate of more than 70, thanks to 16 fifties and 17 centuries at the best score of undefeated 301 runs.

In the first game of the second round of the Ranji Trophy, the right-handed batter clubbed 227 runs against the Mohammad Siraj-led Hyderabad side at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. He was also in form during the Vijay Hazare Trophy with five 50+ scores in the last seven innings when he batted in the middle.

The 28-year-old Indian cricketer Sarfaraz Khan is desperate to make his return to the Indian national cricket team. He is also setting a high standard with a new goal for the national team.

Sarfaraz Khan made his Indian team debut during the 2024 Rajkot Test against England, where the right-handed batter scored 62 and 68 not out. Later, he scored 56 runs in the fifth Test of that series at Dharamsala, while also scoring a fighting 150-run knock against New Zealand during the third innings of the 2024 Bengaluru Test. 

After that 150-run knock, Sarfaraz's next four innings were 11, 9, 0, and 1, as he was dropped from the Indian Test squad since then. It has been more than a year now that the Mumbai star has been missing international cricket. 

Lately of the ongoing domestic season, Sarfaraz has shown some strong form with the bat. While he finished as the leading run-scorer for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 with 303 runs in five innings, with an average of 75.75, including one century and two half-centuries. In the match against Goa, Sarfaraz slammed 157 runs off just 75 balls with nine fours and 14 sixes, where he also recorded the fastest List A fifty by an Indian with a 15-ball half-century. 

In Mumbai's last Ranji Trophy match against the hosts Hyderabad last week, when Mumbai were struggling at 82/3 in the first innings, Sarfaraz Khan produced a powerful performance of 227 runs in 219 balls with 19 fours and nine sixes. His innings played a major role in Mumbai's score of 560 runs, as they won the match by nine wickets after forcing their opponents to follow on.  

See Also: “I’m a Big Fan of His Style,” Sarfaraz Khan credits former Indian captain after scoring a Ranji double century

I try to stay in the present: Sarfaraz Khan

While Sarfaraz Khan has already faced crucial ups and downs in his career, and he is currently not in contention for Indian selection, he wants to stay in the present to motivate himself.

Sarfaraz said, according to The Indian Express, “I try to stay in the present. I can’t do anything about the past. I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. All I know is that I’m going to go home, bat at home, spend time with my father, sleep at the hotel and play the match tomorrow. I don’t think about the future. I’m going to keep doing what I’ve been doing for years."

Musheer is going to be the captain of the Indian team: Sarfaraz Khan

Not only focusing on his Test return, but Sarfaraz also wants to serve for the Men in Blue in white-ball cricket. While working with his younger brother Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz has a strong belief in Musheer's Indian cricket future. 

Sarfaraz said, “I’m working hard on my white-ball game. I want to play for India in white-ball cricket and I’m paying attention to that. I’m also working with Musheer. His bowling complements his batting and vice versa. It’s not a big deal for him. Musheer is going to be the captain of the Indian team one day. I keep an eye on him. He’s young and plays all three formats. When I used to play cricket, my father would go home sad because I couldn’t bowl. But ever since Musheer started playing, my father knows that if he gets out while batting, he can bowl, and if he doesn’t get wickets while bowling, he can bat,” he added.

Sarfaraz Khan’s long-time admiration for Mohammad Azharuddin came full circle on Friday. The Mumbai batter scored a brilliant double century and credited his success to the guidance of the former India captain.

Sarfaraz smashed 227 runs against Azharuddin’s home team, Hyderabad, in an Elite Group D Ranji Trophy match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. His knock helped Mumbai post a huge first-innings total of 560 runs.

The innings included 19 fours and nine sixes. Sarfaraz scored at a fast strike rate of 103.65 against a strong bowling attack that featured India pacer Mohammed Siraj.

Later, Sarfaraz said that his meeting with Azharuddin a day before the match was very helpful. He added that Azhar’s advice helped him handle reverse swing better during his innings.

Also read -Top 3 positives for India after emphatic win against New Zealand in 2nd T20

Azhar’s Advice Helps Sarfaraz Master Reverse Swing

Sarfaraz Khan said he learned a lot from Mohammad Azharuddin before the match. He admitted that he has not faced much reverse swing in his career. Azhar told him that the ball swings early at this ground. He also explained where to stand for the inswing and even showed him some shots. Sarfaraz said they spoke for nearly two hours.

The Mumbai batter also spoke about his long-time admiration for Azhar’s batting. He said his father showed him videos of Azhar when he was young. Even now, his father shows him clips of Azhar’s famous flick shots. Sarfaraz said he is a big fan of Azhar’s style.

Sarfaraz added that the pitch made the innings special. The ball was keeping low at times, so he had to play with intent and attack when needed.

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Azhar Plays Down His Role, Backs Sarfaraz for India

Azharuddin refused to take credit for Sarfaraz’s big innings. He said Sarfaraz deserved all the praise. Azhar explained that Sarfaraz came to him with a few questions, and he only shared some basic advice. He congratulated Sarfaraz on his excellent knock.

Azhar did not share details of their talk, but he strongly supported Sarfaraz’s case for the Indian team. He said Sarfaraz has performed well at every level but has not been given enough chances. Azhar called him an attacking batter who deserves selection.

Sarfaraz has played six Test matches for India and has scored one century. He has not played for the national team since November 2024.

Out-of-favour India batter Sarfaraz Khan once again underlined his red-ball credentials with a commanding double century for Mumbai against Hyderabad in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025–26. The prolific right-hander produced a fluent knock at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, firmly swinging the Elite Group C contest in Mumbai’s favour.

Batting on Day 2 of the match, Sarfaraz brought up his double hundred off just 206 deliveries, showcasing a perfect blend of control and aggression. He was eventually dismissed for a magnificent 227 off 219 balls, striking 19 fours and nine sixes at an impressive strike rate of 103.65. One of the standout features of his innings was his fearless approach against Hyderabad skipper Mohammed Siraj, from whom he plundered 45 runs off just 39 balls.

Sarfaraz Khan’s all-format dominance keeps India recall hopes alive

Mumbai had been in early trouble after slipping to 82 for 3, but Sarfaraz steadied the innings with a crucial 249-run partnership for the fourth wicket alongside stand-in captain Siddhesh Lad, who contributed a solid 104. The marathon stand powered Mumbai past the 500-run mark and put them in complete control of the contest. In the process, Sarfaraz also crossed the milestone of 5,000 first-class runs, further cementing his reputation as one of India’s most consistent domestic performers.

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Watch the video:

🚨 200 For Sarfaraz Khan in Ranji trophy against Hyderabad

Runs - 200
Balls - 206
4/6 - 19/6

SMAT - 100*(47), 52(40), 64(25), 73(22)
VHT - 55(49), 157(75), 62(20)

He smashed 100+ scores in all 3 tournaments

CSK got this beast in Just 75 lakhs 🔥 👊pic.twitter.com/7FUmxg3smz

— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) January 23, 2026

The 28-year-old has enjoyed a prolific season across formats. Earlier, he lit up the Vijay Hazare Trophy with a record-breaking 15-ball half-century against Punjab, the fastest by an Indian male batter in List A cricket. He finished the tournament as Mumbai’s leading run-scorer, amassing 303 runs at a staggering strike rate of 190.56. Sarfaraz also impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 329 runs in seven matches at an average of 65.80.

Despite last featuring for India in a Test against New Zealand in November 2024, Sarfaraz continues to make a strong case for a national recall. His rich domestic form, coupled with a recent IPL 2026 contract with Chennai Super Kings, suggests the Mumbai batter remains very much in the selectors’ conversation.

India’s selectors have chosen Shreyas Iyer to step in for Tilak Varma for the first three T20 matches against New Zealand. Tilak Varma was ruled out after getting injured early this year while playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Hyderabad, which forced the team to look for a replacement.

Shreyas Iyer is also making a comeback after spending time out due to injury. He recently returned to domestic cricket in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and has now joined the Indian side in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. However, Iyer has not played T20 cricket for some time. He missed the full Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season in 2025–26 and last appeared in a T20I match more than two years ago.

In an official update, the BCCI confirmed that Shreyas Iyer has been added to the T20 squad for the opening three games in place of Tilak Varma.

Keeping this situation in mind, here are three other players, apart from Shreyas Iyer, who could have been considered as Tilak Varma’s replacement for the India vs New Zealand 2026 T20I series.

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3. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad could have been a strong option for the squad because of his good T20I record and experience. He fits well into the No.3 or No.4 batting role that the team needs. In recent white-ball matches, Gaikwad has mostly played in the middle order and has improved his strike rate.

Over the last few years, he has changed his game. He is no longer just a steady batter but can score fast when needed. This is similar to the role Tilak Varma plays in the current T20I team.

Gaikwad can make good use of the powerplay and plays spin bowling well, which are important skills for a No.3 batter. He can stay at the crease and allow aggressive batters around him to play freely.

He also comes in with good match practice. Gaikwad played the full 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy and also featured in the ODI series against South Africa. Because of this, he had strong momentum that India could have used.

2. Devdutt Padikkal

Tilak Varma was not only a key batter for India but also the only left-handed batter in the middle order. With Shivam Dube not fitting well into the floating role, India depended on Tilak Varma to handle wrist spinners and left-arm spinners during the middle overs.

Even though India now focus less on left-right batting pairs, left-handed batters still offer value. If a similar left-handed option is available, it makes sense to consider it.

Devdutt Padikkal is currently one of the most in-form batters in India. He had an excellent 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy season and also batted at No.3 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

In the domestic T20 tournament, he scored 309 runs in six matches at a high average and strike rate, including a century. His strong form, left-handed batting style, and overall improvement as a player made him a good choice to replace Tilak Varma.

1. Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan was a bold option who brings power and quick runs rather than stability. The Mumbai batter has grown fast as a white-ball player and has impressed with his performances.

Batting at No.3 for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Sarfaraz scored 329 runs in seven matches with a very high strike rate. He showed his aggressive style and ability to dominate attacks.

He plays spin bowling well and is especially good at using sweeps to trouble spinners. Since India will play many matches in subcontinent conditions, including the New Zealand T20Is and the T20 World Cup, a batter like Sarfaraz could have added variety to the batting lineup.

India could have used his energy, confidence, and strong form after a great domestic white-ball season.

The friendship between Shubman Gill and Sarfaraz Khan has silently grown over the years in the Indian cricket setup. Their equation, mostly based on mutual trust, ease, and shared time away from the spotlight, has often been noticed by those around the team. Even when they weren't playing together that regularly, the bond between the two was intact.

That connection came to the fore once more through a recent gesture by Gill. The Indian ODI and Test captain gifted Sarfaraz a luxury item in showing his support for the teammate. The moment reflected how players stand by each other beyond matches and results.

Sarfaraz shared this moment with his followers on social media, giving a rare peek into the personal side of their relationship. The post drew attention in no time and gave the strong bond that the two cricketers share off the field.

Sarfaraz Thanks Gill After Receiving G-Shock Watch

Sarfaraz Khan revealed that Shubman Gill gifted him a premium G-Shock watch. On Tuesday, January 13, the Mumbai Indian batter posted a photo of the watch on his Instagram account. In the caption, Sarfaraz thanked the Indian captain and wrote, “Thank you Shubman Gill clean watch @gshock_in,” expressing his happiness over the thoughtful gift.

NICE GESTURE BY CAPTAIN SHUBMAN GILL 👏

- Gill gifted a watch to Sarfaraz Khan. pic.twitter.com/MthbCsosLU

— VM Strike🏏 (@mittal_van39335) January 13, 2026

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On the cricketing side, Sarfaraz has faced setbacks recently. He was dropped from India’s home Test series against the West Indies and South Africa last year and was also left out of the Test squad for the England tour, even though he was part of the India A team.

Since his Test match debut in February 2024, Sarfaraz has played six matches, with his last game played in November 2024 against the New Zealand team at home. Although he failed to get picked for the national team, he continues to score heavily as part of the Mumbai domestic side and is in the fray for his comeback to Team India.

A major blow for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Mumbai cricket team, as their key batter received a fresh injury ahead of an important match. The batter, who is in tremendous form for his whirlwind batting, injured his finger during a net session.

According to media reports on Monday, Sarfaraz Khan picked up an injury in his finger while doing batting practice in nets for the Mumbai cricket team ahead of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 (VHT 2025-26) quarterfinal against Karnataka at the Centre of Excellence in North Bengaluru. Along with Khan, Tushar Deshpande was also ruled out from the match because of injury concerns.

According to a TOI media report, "Sarfaraz, who had smashed a record 15-ball fifty against Punjab in the last league match of the stage—the fastest by an Indian in List A cricket—injured his finger after being struck by a ball from Sairaj Patil while batting in the nets."

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CSK batter Sarfaraz Khan injured his finger ahead of crucial matches

Just a match before, the middle-order batter smashed a record 15-ball half-century against Punjab, which is currently the fastest half-century in List-A cricket across the globe. Sarfaraz has been Mumbai’s top scorer in this tournament, scoring 303 runs in six matches at an average of 75.75 and a strike rate of 190.56. His highest score was 155 off 75 balls against Goa.

Before these explosive knocks, Sarfaraz Khan was bought by CSK for his base price of INR 75 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction.

Mumbai vs Karnataka VHT 2025-26 Playing XIs:

Karnataka: Mayank Agarwal (C), Devdutt Paddikal, Karun Nair, Smaran Ravichandran, Krishnan Shrijith, Abhinav Manohar, Shreyas Gopal, Vijay Kumar Vyshak, Vijaydhar Patil, Abhilash Shetty, Vidhwath Kaverappa.

Mumbai: Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Musheer Khan, Siddhesh Lad, Hardik Tamore, Shams Mulani, Sairaj Patil, Suryansh Shedge, Tanush Kotian, Ishan Mulchandani, Mohit Awasthi, Onkar Tamale.

Continuing the scorching form, Sarfaraz Khan smashed another half-century into his domestic career tally on January 8 against Punjab at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground in Jaipur. The Mumbai batter registered 62 runs off just 20 deliveries in the game. Out of those 62 runs, he claimed 30 runs from a single over where Abhishek Sharma was the bowler.

Abhishek Sharma, who is currently one of the openers of Team India's T20I playing combination, was up against in-form Sarfaraz Khan as a bowler. The batter welcomed the part-time bowler with open arms. 6, 4, 6, 4, 6, 4 – this was the series Sarfaraz got against Sharma in that over. With a strike rate over 300.00, Sarfaraz registered the fastest List-A half-century in this Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 (VHT 2025-26) match.

He smashed a total of 7 boundaries and 5 sixes on his way to the fastest-ever List A half-century by an Indian batter. Despite Khan's stormy innings, Mumbai fell short against Punjab by only 1 run. Batting first, Punjab got 216 runs in the 50-overs match.

Read More: 3 reasons why Sarfaraz Khan should be considered in place of Tilak Varma

Watch Sarfaraz Khan hit 30 runs vs Abhishek Sharma in this video

Sarfraz Khan 30 runs off Abhishek Sharma Over

Look at the poor condition of the ground. BCCI is conducting national level tournament like VHT on such pathetic grounds pic.twitter.com/9U0OTmED6K

— 𝗕𝗥𝗨𝗧𝗨 (@Brutu24) January 9, 2026

The total might look paltry against a star-studded Mumbai batting line-up, but in reality, it was the bowlers who controlled the match in the second innings as well. Apart from Khan's 62 and Shreyas Iyer's 45, the batting line-up of Mumbai experienced a hard time against Punjab. Against 216 runs of Punjab, Mumbai's innings was restricted to 215 runs. Gurnoor Brar and Mayank Markande claimed 4 wickets each for Punjab.

Sarfaraz Khan’s scores in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26:

• Against Punjab – 62 runs off 20 balls
• Against Himachal Pradesh – 21 runs off 10 balls
• Against Goa – 157 runs off 75 balls
• Against Chattisgarh – Did not bat
• Against Uttarakhand – 55 runs off 49 balls
• Against Sikkim – 8 runs off 5 balls

Tilak Varma is uncertain for the India vs New Zealand T20I series, as he underwent surgery. It is not clear whether he can regain match fitness before or during the contest. In this scenario, cricket fans are speculating about who can be a proper replacement if Varma misses the bilateral T20I series.

Sarfaraz Khan is someone who has changed himself a lot during the last few months. He lost a significant amount of weight and developed his batting skills as well. The batter, once known only as a Test format player, is now toying with bowlers in the limited-format games. Without any doubts, Khan deserves a spot in Team India.

3 reasons why Sarfaraz Khan should be considered in place of Tilak Varma:

1. Dominating batting in recent times: The Mumbai-born is among the top batters who have been playing with consistency in domestic cricket. In the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 (VHT 2025-26), Khan's swashbuckling batting became one of the main talking points among cricket fans. On January 8, he registered the fastest List-A half-century by an Indian batter. Before that, for Mumbai, he smashed a 157-run innings off 75 deliveries. Apart from these two knocks, the batter bagged multiple half-centuries and match-winning performances.

Read More: 3 reasons why Devdutt Padikkal should be considered in place of Tilak Varma

2. Proven middle-order batter: If the selectors want a middle-order batter in place of another middle-order batter, then Khan deserves to be in the contention. He proved himself in the longer format of the game and is now scoring all the runs with a quick pace coming as a middle-order batsman. With proper batting techniques, the 28-year-old has developed himself into a Twenty20 player as well.

3. Situational awareness: Unlike Tilak Varma, who is more of a modern, momentum-based batter, Sarfaraz brings a traditional-yet-adaptable approach—he can grind when needed and accelerate sharply once set. These skill sets of Khan make him one of the most dominating forces in Indian cricket.