In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), Khan scored a 47-ball century

Sarfaraz Khan made a blistering comeback in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with a 47-ball century while playing for Mumbai against Assam. Khan’s knock came at a time when the IPL mini auction is less than 10 days away. The player, known for his Test career, has not had much luck in T20, a format now often seen as the route to the Indian national side.

Before this maiden T20 hundred, Khan’s highest score in the format was 67, whereas his average is poor, standing at just over 24 with 1,288 runs in 97 T20 matches. Not to forget, in 50 IPL games played so far, he has 585 runs, because of which, he has been in and out of several franchises.

The batter last featured in the IPL in 2023, but with him scoring a massive ton, there’s a possibility of IPL teams taking an interest in him in the upcoming auction.

Given that it is not possible to determine which team will go for him, we asked the AI to predict the teams that may consider putting their money on Khan. In the following paragraphs, check out AI’s prediction.

Chennai Super Kings

(Credit- InsideSport)

ChatGPT lists Chennai Super Kings as the top contender, who should pay around INR 3.5-5 crore for Khan. AI believes that Khan fits into the scheme of things at Chepauk, where a spin bowler is needed between No. 3 and 5. Khan is also a good fit for Chennai’s “bat deep, rotate hard, explode late” template and enables the team to go for a middle-order batter from overseas.

Lucknow Super Giants

(Credit- IPL.com)

The next team that may root for Khan is the Lucknow Super Giants. AI explained its analysis by stating, “LSG’s best seasons have come when their middle overs don’t stall. Sarfaraz is a momentum keeper: he can enter at 45/2, rebuild quickly, then switch gears. If LSG ends up with a top-order-heavy setup, Sarfaraz can be the “glue” at No. 4 while letting finishers do the finishing.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

(Credit- IPL.com)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are third on the list and, according to the AI, may bid for Khan for INR 5-7.5 crore. At Chinnaswamy, where the boundaries are not too far away, a player like Khan has the ability to go for big hits. Not to forget, he also knows when to slow down in order to stabilise the innings and can also increase RCB’s squad depth, reducing the team’s need to rely on foreign signings.

Why Sarfaraz should be backed

(Credit- Punjab Kings)

The AI concluded its prediction by stating, “Indian middle-order batters are scarce, and scarcity drives wins and auction inflation. Khan brings role flexibility (No. 3–6 depending on XI balance). He also has a proven big-game temperament (including a high-profile international century). Last but not least, Sarfaraz remains financially efficient because he’s gone unsold recently, meaning teams can still buy upside without paying superstar tax.”