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. The recently concluded IPL 2026 auction was no exception, with several uncapped players fetching hefty sums. One such player who caught the attention of the cricketing world is Kartik Sharma, a 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan. Sharma 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.
Sharma, who has been hailed as ‘Rajasthan’s six-hitting machine’, has been making waves in the domestic cricket circuit with his impressive batting skills. The right-hander has played a total of eight first-class, nine List A, and 12 T20 matches, scoring a total of 1,258 runs. 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.
So, who is Kartik Sharma, and what makes him so special? Born and brought up in Rajasthan, Sharma started playing cricket at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks. He made his first-class debut for Rajasthan in 2022 and has since been a regular member of the team. Sharma’s impressive performances in the domestic circuit caught the attention of the selectors, and he was soon called up to the India U-19 team.
Sharma’s batting style is aggressive and explosive, with a penchant for hitting sixes. He has a wide range of shots in his arsenal, including the pull, cut, and drive, which makes him a nightmare for bowlers to face. His ability to score quickly and take the game away from the opposition has earned him the nickname ‘Rajasthan’s six-hitting machine’.
The IPL 2026 auction was a testament to Sharma’s growing reputation as a talented young cricketer. Several teams were interested in buying him, but it was CSK who eventually secured his services for ₹14.2 crore. This makes him the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history, alongside players like Kishan and Nagarkoti.
Sharma’s signing by CSK is a significant move for the team, who have been looking to bolster their batting lineup. With the likes of MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina retiring, CSK have been looking for young and talented players to take over the mantle. Sharma’s signing is a step in the right direction, and he is expected to play a key role for the team in the upcoming season.
The IPL 2026 season is expected to be a exciting one, with several young and talented players making their debut. Sharma’s signing by CSK has generated a lot of excitement among cricket fans, who will be eager to see him in action. With his impressive batting skills and aggressive style of play, Sharma is expected to make a significant impact in the tournament.
In conclusion, Kartik Sharma is a talented young cricketer who has been making waves in the domestic circuit with his impressive batting skills. His signing by CSK for ₹14.2 crore makes him the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history, and he is expected to play a key role for the team in the upcoming season. With his aggressive style of play and ability to score quickly, Sharma is a player to watch out for in the IPL 2026 season.
As the cricketing world waits with bated breath to see Sharma in action, one thing is certain – he is a player with a lot of potential and a bright future ahead of him. With the right guidance and support, Sharma can go on to become one of the best players in the world, and his signing by CSK is a significant step in the right direction.
The IPL 2026 auction was a significant event, with several teams buying and selling players in a bid to strengthen their squads. The auction saw several surprises, with some teams buying players for hefty sums. However, Sharma’s signing by CSK was one of the most significant moves of the auction, and it will be interesting to see how he performs in the upcoming season.
As the IPL 2026 season approaches, cricket fans around the world will be eagerly waiting to see Sharma in action. With his impressive batting skills and aggressive style of play, he is expected to make a significant impact in the tournament. Whether he can live up to the hype and expectations remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – Kartik Sharma is a player to watch out for in the IPL 2026 season.
News Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/auction/ipl-2026-auction-1515016/live-updates
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