NEW DELHI: Out-of-favour India batter Sarfaraz Khan feels his career has been given a fresh lease of life after five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings signed him at his base price of Rs 75 lakh in the mini players' auction in Abu Dhabi.

The 28-year-old, who hammered a 22-ball 73 in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match just hours before Tuesday's auction, went unsold in the opening round before CSK eventually moved in to secure his services.

"Thank you so much, CSK for giving me new life. I will make sure CSK will lift the 2026 title," the Mumbai batter wrote on his Instagram page.

The explosive middle-order batter last appeared in the IPL in 2023, turning out for Delhi Capitals against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

He went unsold in the auctions over the next two seasons, while his international prospects have also stalled, with no call-up to the Indian side in any format despite consistent performances on the domestic circuit.

Over the years, Sarfaraz has represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals across different IPL seasons.

Sarfaraz made his IPL debut for RCB in 2015. The right-hander has been in fine form in this year's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, amassing 329 runs at an average of 82.25 and a strike rate of 204.34, with a century to his name.

Sarfaraz has represented India in six Test matches, scoring 371 runs at an average of 37.10 and strike rate of 74.94 with 150 being his highest score.

(With PTI Inputs)