Sarfaraz Khan makes selection case with 157 in Vijay Hazare Trophy; Arjun Tendulkar faces heat after costly spell

Sarfaraz Khan made an explosive century for Mumbai in their match against Goa during the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Jaipur on Wednesday. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made a comeback in India’s top One-Day domestic tournament, scored 46 runs off 64 balls, while Musheer Khan also contributed by scoring 60 runs off 66 balls.

However, it was Sarfaraz who stole the show and showcased his batting ability by scoring 157 off just 75 balls. His innings was highlighted by 14 sixes and 9 fours, achieving a strike rate in excess of 200.

Sarfaraz reached his century in just 56 balls and then stepped up and put on an incredible show of pace, scoring his last 57 runs in just 21 balls. He overshadowed the performances of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Musheer Khan and Hardik Tamore, who made respectable contributions with 46, 60 and 53 runs respectively, but was overshadowed by Sarfaraz’s outstanding performance.

Sarfaraz Khan Madness in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Goa

Runs – 157
Balls – 75
Hit rate – 210
4/6 – 9/14

He was brought in by CSK for IPL 26 for just 75 lakhs. I hope he plays in some matches. I’m sure it will definitely make an impact. pic.twitter.com/8XBHSyft5Z

— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) December 31, 2025

In addition to Sarfaraz, skipper Shardul Thakur scored 27 off 8 balls, wicketkeeper batsman Hardik Tamore scored a spirited half-century and Shams Mulani scored 22 off 15 balls to take Mumbai to a total of 444/8 in 50 overs.

Sarfaraz always had the ability to do well in the shorter formats and stood out in his early days at RCB. However, he faced unsold challenges in many auctions until CSK offered him an opportunity and bought him for 75 lakhs in the IPL 2026 auction. Sarfaraz offers significant value to CSK as an Indian wicketkeeper-batsman who bats lower in the order, excels against spinners and has the ability to hit the ball from long distances; indeed a great buy for CSK at 75 lakhs.

Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Arjun Tendulkar, who moved from Mumbai to Goa, struggled to find his form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In the first two matches against Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim, he failed to take any wickets and against Mumbai in Jaipur, he conceded runs at an alarming economy rate of over 9 overs. His performance included disappointing figures of 0/78 in 9 overs. This was his first appearance against Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy since switching teams.

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