Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer reckons it is imperative for Chennai Super Kings batter Sarfaraz Khan to convert his promising starts into substantial scores in the ongoing IPL 2026. Khan was dismissed after scoring 14 runs off eight balls against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Thursday.

The right-hander struck three fours but was bowled by Mitchell Santner when he was trying to play a sweep shot. Khan has scored 161 runs in six innings at an average of 26.83 and a strike rate of 171.27 in the ongoing IPL 2026, with the best score of 50.

Wasim Jaffer said on his YouTube Channel, “Sarfaraz looks good, but again he hasn’t gone beyond 15, 20, or 25 runs, with just one fifty to his name. Even yesterday, it felt like a great opportunity. He was playing on his home ground and was sent in at number three in place of Ayush. But it came down to just one shot. Before that, he had played a sweep and a bit of a pull shot, but once again, he got out attempting a similar shot.”

“He needs to start converting these chances. People say he deserves a chance in the Indian team, and he absolutely does. But I think when you get such a good opportunity and are batting at a strong position in the order, you need to score runs and show the selectors and everyone else that you belong at this level.”

The former domestic giant also questioned Khan’s shot selection and reckons the youngster played a very loose shot against Santner.

He concluded, “If you are playing for such a big franchise and getting these kinds of opportunities, you should not let them go to waste. I felt it was a very loose shot. He could have stepped out and hit straight or gone inside-out over covers. He has the shots to score all around the ground, so it is a bit surprising that he got out playing the same kind of shot again.”

Chennai Super Kings will next take on Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Sunday.