Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is going through the worst start in its IPL history. CSK has faced three consecutive defeats ipl 2026But in this disaster, one player has quietly come forward and carried the team on his shoulders and that is Sarfaraz Khan.
When almost everything went wrong for Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Sarfaraz Khan was the only one who fought back as if the team still had a chance. M Chinnaswamy Stadium In Bengaluru on 5th April.
Sarfaraz Khan scored a brilliant half-century in 25 balls against RCB.
The five-time IPL champions had a disappointing start chasing a big target against the defending champions in Bengaluru. Chasing a mammoth target of 251, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre were back in the dugout with single-digit scores.
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Also Read: IPL Points Table 2026: Updated Standings, Orange Cap, Purple Cap after RCB vs CSK Match 11
CSK were struggling at 30/3 in the first three overs, and that’s when Sarfaraz took the responsibility and changed his image, as the Mumbaikar is known as a red-ball specialist. The right-handed batsman hit back against the RCB attack with clean strokes and courageous decisions from the very first ball.
He turned the disappointing target into a small ray of confidence by scoring a brilliant 50 off just 25 balls before being dismissed by RCB spinner Krunal Pandya. Although CSK still lost the IPL 2026 game to RCB by 43 runs in Bengaluru, a heart-touching gesture from Virat Kohli won hearts online.
Virat Kohli’s heart-touching gesture for Sarfaraz Khan goes viral on the internet
As Sarfaraz Khan Returning to the CSK dugout, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium witnessed a moment that melted hearts. One of RCB’s biggest icons Virat Kohli, who was standing near the ring, clapped for Sarfaraz and acknowledged the courage shown by the batsman.
In the viral video, Kohli is also seen calling out the CSK batsman and giving him a thumbs-up before clapping for his fearless innings. The video went viral on social media, proving once again that Kohli never fails to nurture young talents and appreciate their talent, even if it is in the opposite direction.
Reflame Firetimes: Kohli shows off his film stars and claps by whistling the surf. This was a lovely gesture from Kohli. ❤️🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/N7v5AVPvRz
– Mamta Trouble (@Mamtasulaniya) 5 April 2026
Interestingly, Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan have already shared the RCB dressing room in the league. He played under the former Indian captain for RCB and even once saluted the young batsman after he scored 45 off 21 balls against them. Rajasthan Royals. They had also shared the Indian dressing room in the past.
Also read: Watch: Jamie Overton’s actions crossed limits, CSK star throws helmet in front of Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad hails CSK’s biggest positive in tough IPL 2026 season
Meanwhile, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Sarfaraz Khan was also praised for his impressive cameo in the ongoing IPL 2026. Gaikwad said at the post-match presentation ceremony: “To be honest, even I was surprised. Great fight by Sarfaraz, Prashant Weir and Jamie Overton, even Shivam Dubey to some extent. So, I think maybe I would have contributed more at the top of the order; you never know, we could have chased it down. So definitely the onus is on me today.”
Chennai Super Kings bought Sarfaraz for just ₹75 lakh in the mini-auction, but his price has skyrocketed during the team’s difficult phase in the ongoing IPL 2026. Even in the last match against Punjab Kings, the Mumbai batsman played a blazing inning of 32 runs in just 12 balls.
