'Sarfaraz Khan is our new Ambati Rayudu' - CSK fans hail star batter following quickfire cameo versus PBKS

Sarfaraz Khan stayed at the crease for only a couple of overs during the Chennai Super Kings versus Punjab Kings clash in Match 7 of IPL 2026 at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, but what unfolded during his short time in the middle was absolute carnage. Sarfaraz played a blistering cameo of 32 runs, which included six fours and a huge one as well.

Coming to bat in at No. 6, Sarfaraz did not waste time to get going and started taking on the PBKS bowlers all around the park right from the get-go. The Mumbai-born player batted at a brilliant strike rate of 266.67 and lit up the show at Chepauk, as the five-time champions were able to post a daunting total of 209 for 5 on the board while batting first at home.

Sarfaraz departed after a thunderous cameo of 32 off 12, but that was not before he ensured to act the aggressor and did not let the PBKS bowlers stem the flow of runs at all. After his short little stay at the crease, CSK fans, who are known to be very loyal, took to social media and compared the cricketer to former batter Ambati Rayudu.

Here's how 'X' reacted to Sarfaraz Khan's cameo against PBKS in Match 9, IPL 2026:

In an attempt to up the ante and elevate the momentum, Sarfaraz eventually fell prey to Vyshak Vijaykumar, handing the pacer his second wicket of the night. Vyshak reflected on his thoughts after the innings. The pacer also became the first player of the season to bag the Purple Cap. 

"Not really, but it is challenging. As long as you are enjoying the challenge, it is a good wicket. Slower ones are coming on nicely. It is a good wicket. 10 runs, we have given extra but with our batting, we should get it. I was okay, bowled pretty good areas, was trying to hit my lengths earlier and then mix it up (towards the end). The way we batted in the first game, though we lost a few wickets in the middle…everyone is looking well and hopefully we can get these runs easily. Hopefully I can continue this form," Vyshak said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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As of writing, PBKS have already scored 103 for the loss of two wickets, exactly halfway into the run chase. CSK, meanwhile, need either eight wickets or defend 107 runs from the next sixty balls to win their first points of the season.