Sarfaraz Khan flaunts ‘special gift’ received from Shubman Gill ahead of IPL 2026

Table of Contents

At a time when his name continues to dominate discussions around selection and form, Sarfaraz Khan found a different way to grab attention. The Mumbai batter, who has been piling on runs in domestic cricket, recently shared a subtle yet emotional moment from his personal life on social media. Without much explanation, Sarfaraz uploaded a glimpse of a ‘special gift’ he had received, instantly setting off curiosity among fans and followers.

The post stood out not just because of the gift itself, but because it hinted at strong bonds within the Indian dressing room. With Sarfaraz still waiting for another opportunity at the international level, the gesture was seen as a reminder that performances do not go unnoticed, even when selection doors remain temporarily shut.

Soon after, it emerged that the gift came from none other than India’s current skipper Shubman Gill. During the recent ODI series against New Zealand, Gill presented Sarfaraz with an expensive G-Shock watch as a token of appreciation.

Sarfaraz, who was not part of the ODI squad, took to Instagram to thank the Indian captain, expressing gratitude for the unexpected but meaningful gesture. While Gill did not make any public comment, the act reflected the camaraderie and mutual respect shared among players, regardless of their presence in the playing XI.

The moment also resonated with fans, many of whom viewed it as encouragement for a player who has been relentlessly consistent on the domestic circuit. Sarfaraz last featured for India in November 2024, and despite his absence from the national setup since then, his performances have continued to make a strong case. In the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 season, the 28-year-old has amassed 303 runs in six matches at an impressive average of 75.75, including a top score of 157.

Also READ: Former cricketer explains why Shubman Gill cannot be all-format captain of India

While international opportunities remain uncertain, Sarfaraz is set for a new chapter in franchise cricket. The batter has been roped in by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of IPL 2026 at his base price of ₹75 lakh. The move marks a fresh opportunity for Sarfaraz to revive his IPL journey after last featuring in the league during the 2023 season with Delhi Capitals.

Across 50 IPL matches so far, Sarfaraz has scored 585 runs at an average of 22.5, with a strike rate of 130.59. While the numbers may not fully reflect his domestic dominance, the CSK setup is known for backing players and offering clearly defined roles.

Also READ: Sarfaraz Khan shares emotional note after getting picked by CSK in IPL 2026 auction