Sarfaraz Khan. (Photo Source: BCCI)
The 17th edition of the IPL (Indian Premier League) is looming on the horizon. The marquee tournament is all set to kick off on March 22, and many of the best players in world cricket will aim to put in their best performances and get their hands on the coveted title.
Ahead of the competition, one big name missing from the IPL 2024 would be Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan. The 26-year-old went unsold at the IPL 2024 auction. However, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra came forward to opine that Sarfaraz could have attracted a bid if he had scored his half centuries for India prior to the IPL auction.
The youngster impressed with his performances for the Indian team as the side took on England in a five-game Test series. Having played three Tests for the side, Sarfaraz scored 200 runs with an average of 50 runs and a high score of 68* runs.
“I am personally not that surprised, or I would say that I am as surprised as I am with the fact that Pat Cummins got 20.50 crore rupees. Recency bias is a very important thing. If the auction had been tomorrow, he would have got a contract,” Aakash Chopra said on JioCinema.
“Sarfaraz had a contract since he was 18 years old. He has played for two or three franchises,” he added.
Also Read: IPL 2024: Virat Kohli explains what sets IPL apart from ICC events
‘Now we are definitely talking about him just like Pat Cummins’ – Chopra on Sarfaraz Khan’s batting performances
Furthermore, Chopra opined that Sarfaraz Khan has gained momentum and recognition by scoring brilliantly for the Indian team against England and previously did not get enough opportunities to perform in the IPL. Interestingly enough, Chopra compared his situation similar to that of Australia and the new Sunrisers Hyderabad’s skipper, Pat Cummins. It is worth noting that Khan has played 50 matches in the IPL so far, where he has amassed 585 runs at an average of 22.5 runs with just one half century.
“Now we are definitely talking about him, that he plays this or that, but he is doing that here, just like Pat Cummins had won the World Cup,” Chopra stated.
Also Read: Sunrisers Hyderabad appoint Pat Cummins as new captain ahead of IPL 2024