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 talented cricketers to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves in the cricketing world. The recent IPL 2026 auction saw several exciting young players being picked up by various 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 whopping ₹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 impressive ability to hit big sixes and score quick runs. 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 matches, he has scored a total of 1,258 runs, showcasing his talent and potential as a batsman. What’s even more impressive is his strike rate of 162.92 in T20 cricket, which is a testament to his aggressive batting style and ability to take on opposing bowlers.
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 rose through the ranks. He made his debut in first-class cricket at the age of 18 and has since been a regular member of the Rajasthan team. His impressive performances in domestic cricket caught the attention of IPL franchises, and it was only a matter of time before he was picked up by one of the teams.
Kartik’s batting style is aggressive and entertaining, with a ability to hit big sixes and score quick runs. He is a wicketkeeper-batter, which makes him a valuable asset to any team. His ability to bat anywhere in the order and keep wickets makes him a versatile player who can fit into any team’s playing XI. CSK, who have a history of nurturing young talent, will be hoping that Kartik can live up to his potential and become a key player for the team in the years to come.
The IPL 2026 auction saw several other young players being picked up by franchises, but Kartik’s price tag of ₹14.2 crore was the highest among all uncapped players. This is a testament to the faith that CSK have in him and the potential they see in the young batsman. With a price tag like that, there will be a lot of pressure on Kartik to perform, but he seems to have the talent and the temperament to handle it.
Kartik’s journey to the IPL is an inspiring one, and it will be interesting to see how he performs in the tournament. He will be playing alongside some of the biggest names in cricket, including MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Devon Conway, and will have the opportunity to learn from them and gain valuable experience. With his talent and potential, Kartik Sharma is definitely one to watch out for in the IPL, and cricket fans will be eagerly waiting to see him in action.
The IPL has always been a platform for young players to make a name for themselves, and Kartik Sharma is the latest example of this. His story is an inspiration to all young cricketers out there, and it shows that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. As the IPL 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Kartik Sharma, and it will be interesting to see how he performs under pressure.
In conclusion, Kartik Sharma is a talented young cricketer who has made a name for himself in domestic cricket. His ability to hit big sixes and score quick runs has earned him the nickname ‘Rajasthan’s six-hitting machine’, and his strike rate of 162.92 in T20 cricket is a testament to his aggressive batting style. With a price tag of ₹14.2 crore, he is the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history, and there will be a lot of pressure on him to perform. However, with his talent and potential, Kartik Sharma is definitely one to watch out for in the IPL, and cricket fans will be eagerly waiting to see him in action.
News source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/auction/ipl-2026-auction-1515016/live-updates
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