Why CSK Have Dropped Sarfaraz Khan For Urvil Patel For IPL 2026 Match vs Gujarat Titans

Sarfaraz Khan [Source: AP]

In a significant development, Gujarat Titans won the toss and elected to bowl first in the 37th IPL 2026 match against CSK at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. 

At toss, captain Shubman Gill revealed that his side would bowl first in order to capitalise on the playing conditions in Chennai. 

While the Titans excluded Prasidh Krishna from their playing XI, Sarfaraz Khan was dropped for Urvil Patel for this high-octane clash. As fans wonder about Sarfaraz's axing, here we decode the possible reasons for his exclusion from the CSK Vs GT match. 

Why Sarfaraz Khan is not playing CSK vs GT IPL 2026 match

Experienced Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan was signed by CSK at the IPL 2026 mega auction for INR 75 lakhs. He had an impressive start to the season, scoring quick-fire knocks against Punjab Kings and RCB. 

However, his form dipped as the tournament progressed. Soon after smashing a fifty against RCB, Sarfaraz managed only 62 runs in his subsequent three outings. 

With Ruturaj Gaikwad not living up to the expectations, the Super Kings probably wanted a more reliable option than Sarfaraz at number three. 

This could be the reason why they dropped the Mumbai batter, replacing him with the swashbuckling Urvil Patel at number three. 

Also Read: IPL 2026: CSK vs GT Prediction, Match 37-Who Will Win Today?

Having said that, Sarfaraz is among the impact substitutes and the Super Kings might bring him back if they suffer a batting collapse against the Titans. 

On the contrary, if everything goes well, the five-time champions are likely to bring in Mukesh Choudhary in the second half as their impact substitute. 

How has Urvil Patel performed at number three?

Urvil Patel is hailed as one of the most destructive batters in the domestic circuit. He holds the record for the second fastest T20 hundred, having amassed a 28-ball ton for Gujarat against Tripura. 

He has played three innings for CSK at number three, scoring 68 runs at an average of 22.67 and a strike rate of 212.50. 

As Ruturaj Gaikwad has blown hot and cold with the bat, the Super Kings would like an impactful innings from Urvil Patel, who can torment the Titans bowling attack with scintillating stroke play. 

Patel became a part of the CSK IPL squad when the five-time champions signed him as a replacement player for wicketkeeper-batter Vansh Bedi. 

Overall, he has played 57 T20 matches, scoring 1425 runs at an average of 26.88 and a strike rate of 179.47. Urvil Patel has three hundreds and four fifties under his belt, signifying his remarkable conversion rate in the shortest format. 

Sanju Samson departs as CSK suffer major blow vs GT

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson was the first to depart in the CSK Vs GT encounter, as Kagiso Rabada got his prized scalp in the fourth over. As of writing, the Super Kings were 21 for one in 3.3 overs, with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Urvil Patel batting on 10* and 0*, respectively. 

Update: As mentioned earlier, CSK brought Sarfaraz as an impact player after losing two quick wickets although he was initially dropped from the playing XI. 

Also Read: CSK vs GT Toss: Prasidh Krishna Out, MS Dhoni Still Away As Shubman Gill Wins