Arshad Khan: From Chaiwala to IPL Star, the Pacer Who Scripted History with 6/9 in SMAT

Key facts

• Arshad Khan claimed 6 wickets for 9 runs in 4 overs, including a maiden, for Madhya Pradesh against Chandigarh in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the best bowling figures in the tournament's history.
• He was bought by Gujarat Titans for INR 1.30 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, retained for IPL 2026 at the same valuation.
• Khan made his IPL debut in 2023 for Mumbai Indians; his best IPL bowling figures are 3/39 against Rajasthan Royals in 2023.
• He scored an unbeaten 58 off 30 balls for Lucknow Super Giants against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024, forging the highest eighth-wicket partnership in IPL history with Ayush Badoni.
• In the 2023 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he took 3 wickets for 9 runs against Punjab.
• Khan was the top wicket-taker in the 2019-20 Under-25 CK Nayudu Trophy with 36 wickets and also scored 400 runs, including a century against Assam.
• He secured a Rs 1 crore investment on Shark Tank Pakistan for his tea brand, leveraging his 'Chaiwala' fame.

A Record-Breaking Spell That Rewrote History

On a balmy evening in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Arshad Khan delivered a spell that will be remembered for generations. The left-arm pacer from Madhya Pradesh returned figures of 6 for 9 from his four overs, including a maiden, against Chandigarh — the finest bowling performance in the tournament's entire history. Khan's devastating accuracy and swing left the opposition in tatters, as he claimed six wickets while conceding less than 2.5 runs per over. The performance instantly elevated his status from a promising domestic talent to a record-breaking phenomenon. The spell was the culmination of years of hard work, but it also marked a turning point. Gujarat Titans, who had already invested INR 1.30 crore in him at the IPL 2025 mega auction, quickly retained him for IPL 2026 at the same valuation — a decision that now looks prescient.

From Viral Chaiwala to Cricketing Sensation

Arshad Khan's journey to cricketing prominence is anything but ordinary. He first captured public attention not on the cricket field, but as a roadside tea seller in Pakistan, where a photograph of him went viral, earning him the moniker 'Chaiwala'. That fame translated into a business opportunity: he secured a Rs 1 crore investment on Shark Tank Pakistan for his own tea brand. But Khan's ambitions extended far beyond tea. A talented left-arm medium pacer from India, he had already begun making waves in domestic cricket. His breakthrough came in the 2019-20 Under-25 CK Nayudu Trophy, where he emerged as the top wicket-taker with 36 scalps and also amassed 400 runs, including a century against Assam and a blistering 86 off 54 balls against Mumbai. His performances earned him an IPL contract with Mumbai Indians in 2022, though an injury sidelined him for that season. He made his IPL debut in 2023, and was later picked up by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 20 lacs in 2024.

IPL Journey: From Injury Setback to Record Partnership

Khan's IPL career has been a story of resilience. After missing the 2022 season due to injury, he debuted for Mumbai Indians in 2023 and immediately showcased his potential, taking 3 for 39 against Rajasthan Royals. His batting skills also came to the fore: in IPL 2024, playing for Lucknow Super Giants, he smashed an unbeaten 58 off 30 balls against Delhi Capitals, forging the highest eighth-wicket partnership in IPL history alongside Ayush Badoni. That partnership — 89 runs off just 40 balls — not only rescued Lucknow from a precarious position but also demonstrated Khan's value as a lower-order hitter. His all-round abilities made him a sought-after commodity in the IPL auction. At the IPL 2025 mega auction, Gujarat Titans secured his services for INR 1.30 crore, a significant jump from his previous salary. The franchise recognized his potential as a genuine all-rounder who could contribute with both bat and ball.

Domestic Dominance: A Season of Milestones

The 2025-26 domestic season was where Arshad Khan truly staked his claim for a permanent IPL role. In the Ranji Trophy, he produced an all-round display against Goa, taking 3 for 21 in the second innings and scoring a gritty 25 to help Madhya Pradesh seal a memorable chase. Against Punjab, he contributed a fluent 60 not out, sharing a partnership with Rajat Patidar as MP pressed for a big total. But it was in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy that Khan etched his name into the record books. His 6 for 9 against Chandigarh was the best bowling figures in the tournament's history. He rounded off a complete campaign by winning Player of the Match honours against Maharashtra, contributing 30 not out off 17 balls with the bat and taking two wickets. Earlier in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he had taken 3 for 5 against Meghalaya, further proving his ability to deliver in crucial moments. His consistent performances have made him a linchpin of the Madhya Pradesh bowling attack.

Off-Field Controversy: The Ghatkopar Hoarding Collapse Case

While Khan's cricketing star has risen, he has also been embroiled in a legal controversy. He is an accused in the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse case, which resulted in multiple casualties. In his bail plea, Khan claimed he had nothing to do with Ego Media, the company allegedly responsible for the hoarding, and that the money he received from them was for medicines. Court proceedings have revealed that Khan used over 50 SIM cards and several handsets to evade arrest. A non-bailable warrant was issued against him, and the court has refused bail so far. The case remains ongoing, casting a shadow over his otherwise remarkable rise. Khan's legal troubles have not yet affected his cricketing career, but they add a complex layer to his public persona. The outcome of the case could have implications for his future, both on and off the field.

What Lies Ahead: IPL 2026 and Beyond

Gujarat Titans have retained Arshad Khan for IPL 2026 at INR 1.30 crore, a clear signal of their faith in his abilities. Ahead of the 2026 season, Khan, along with teammates Kumar Kushagra and Manav Suthar, visited the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad for a candid interaction with students — a sign of his growing stature within the franchise. Khan's confidence is palpable. After a heavy 83-run defeat to Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025, he remarked, "God's plan that we got an extra game," reflecting his belief in the team's ability to bounce back. That must-win clash against Mumbai Indians showcased his mental fortitude. With his record-breaking SMAT performance, Khan has proven he can deliver under pressure. If he can maintain his form and resolve his legal issues, he could become a mainstay in the Gujarat Titans lineup and perhaps even earn a national call-up. For now, the cricketing world watches as the former chaiwala continues to brew success.

The bottom line

• Arshad Khan's 6/9 in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is the best bowling figures in the tournament's history, cementing his status as a premier domestic pacer.
• He has transformed from a viral internet sensation ('Chaiwala') into a genuine IPL all-rounder, with a highest IPL score of 58* and best bowling figures of 3/39.
• Gujarat Titans retained him for IPL 2026 at INR 1.30 crore, reflecting their belief in his all-round utility.
• Khan's domestic career includes being the top wicket-taker in the 2019-20 Under-25 CK Nayudu Trophy (36 wickets) and consistent performances in List A and T20 cricket.
• He is currently facing legal proceedings in the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse case, with a non-bailable warrant issued and bail denied.
• His journey from roadside tea seller to record-breaking cricketer underscores the unpredictable paths to success in Indian cricket.