Chennai Super Kings (CSK) scripted an unusual moment in IPL history by sending in Sarfaraz Khan as an Impact Player as early as the fourth over during the game against the Gujarat Titans (GT) on Sunday afternoon at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

On a tricky pitch that offered uneven bounce, pace, and even some turn to the spinners, CSK’s top order crumbled early. The team management made a rare tactical call to use Sarfaraz as an Impact Player after the dismissal of number three batter Urvil Patel. There was urgency in CSK’s approach as they attempted to stabilise their innings as soon as possible.

Using an Impact Player before the sixth over remains highly uncommon in the IPL, where teams typically hold back substitutions for the middle or death overs to maximise flexibility. However, driven by panic, CSK jumped into what appeared to be a damage-control strategy rather than a calculated adjustment.
The decision also reflected the pressure exerted by Gujarat’s bowling attack in the powerplay, led by Kagiso Rabada, whose pace and disciplined line and length tore through the CSK line-up.

Initially, it seemed likely that CSK would introduce a bowler as their Impact Player in the second innings, especially after opting for a batting-heavy starting XI.
However, consecutive dismissals in the fourth and fifth overs, including those of Sanju Samson and Urvil, compelled the CSK management to act early.
The move, though, failed instantly, as Sarfaraz was dismissed for a golden duck by Mohammad Siraj. CSK were able to set a target of 158 runs, riding on the back of skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who managed 70 runs off 60 balls while wickets kept tumbling around him.