Who is Kartik Sharma, joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a platform for young and emerging talent to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves in the cricketing world. The recently concluded IPL 2026 auction saw several new faces being picked up by franchises, but one name that caught everyone’s attention was Kartik Sharma. The 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan was bought by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a staggering ₹14.2 crore, making him the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history.
Kartik Sharma has been hailed as ‘Rajasthan’s six-hitting machine’ due to his incredible ability to clear the boundary with ease. The right-hander has already made a name for himself in domestic cricket, playing eight first-class, nine List A, and 12 T20 matches. In these games, he has scored a total of 1,258 runs, showcasing his impressive batting skills. However, it’s his T20 record that has caught the attention of IPL franchises, with a strike rate of 162.92, which is extremely impressive for a player of his age.
So, who is Kartik Sharma, and what makes him so special? Born and brought up in Rajasthan, Kartik started playing cricket at a young age and quickly made his way through the ranks. He made his first-class debut at the age of 18 and has since then been a regular member of the Rajasthan team. His impressive performances in domestic cricket have earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting young players in the country.
Kartik’s batting style is aggressive and entertaining, with a penchant for hitting sixes. He has a wide range of shots in his arsenal, including the ability to hit big sixes down the ground and over the leg side. His strike rate of 162.92 in T20 cricket is a testament to his ability to score quickly and take the game away from the opposition.
The CSK franchise, known for their ability to identify and nurture young talent, saw something special in Kartik Sharma. They were willing to pay a premium to secure his services, and it will be interesting to see how he performs in the IPL. With a price tag of ₹14.2 crore, there will be a lot of expectation on Kartik’s shoulders, but he seems to have the talent and the temperament to handle the pressure.
Kartik’s journey to the IPL has not been easy. He has had to work hard to develop his skills and make a name for himself in domestic cricket. However, his dedication and passion for the game have paid off, and he is now on the cusp of realizing his dream of playing in the IPL.
The IPL 2026 auction saw several other exciting young players being picked up by franchises. However, Kartik Sharma’s story is one of the most inspiring, given his humble background and the fact that he has had to work extremely hard to get to where he is today. His success will be an inspiration to many young cricketers in the country, and it will be exciting to see how he performs in the IPL.
As the IPL 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Kartik Sharma to see how he performs. Will he be able to live up to the hype surrounding him, or will the pressure of playing in the IPL get to him? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – Kartik Sharma is a name to watch out for in the future.
In conclusion, Kartik Sharma is an exciting young talent who has made a name for himself in domestic cricket. His impressive batting skills and ability to hit big sixes have earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting young players in the country. His price tag of ₹14.2 crore makes him the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history, and it will be interesting to see how he performs in the IPL. With his dedication, passion, and talent, Kartik Sharma is sure to make a name for himself in the cricketing world.
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/auction/ipl-2026-auction-1515016/live-updates
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