Who is Kartik Sharma, joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a platform for young and talented cricketers to make a name for themselves, and the recent IPL 2026 auction was no exception. Among the many exciting young players who went under the hammer, one name that caught everyone’s attention was 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.
But who is Kartik Sharma, and what makes him so special? Hailed as “Rajasthan’s six-hitting machine”, Sharma 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 particularly impressive, and it’s no wonder that he caught the attention of the CSK team management.
Sharma’s rise to fame has been rapid, to say the least. The 19-year-old has been playing cricket since he was a young boy, and his hard work and dedication have paid off in a big way. He has been part of the Rajasthan cricket team in various age groups, and his performances have been consistently impressive. Sharma’s ability to hit big sixes and score quickly has earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting young batsmen in the country.
The IPL 2026 auction was a testament to Sharma’s growing reputation, with several teams showing interest in him. However, it was CSK who ultimately won the bidding war, securing his services for ₹14.2 crore. This makes Sharma the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history, a feat that is sure to put him under the spotlight.
So, what can we expect from Kartik Sharma in the upcoming IPL season? The young batsman has already shown that he has the talent and the temperament to succeed at the highest level. His ability to hit big sixes and score quickly will undoubtedly make him a valuable asset to the CSK team. Sharma’s wicketkeeping skills are also highly rated, and he is expected to provide a strong challenge to the existing wicketkeepers in the team.
The pressure of playing in the IPL can be intense, especially for a young player like Sharma. However, the 19-year-old seems to be ready for the challenge. In a recent interview, Sharma said that he was excited to play for CSK and learn from some of the best players in the world. He also expressed his gratitude to the CSK team management for showing faith in him and giving him the opportunity to play in the IPL.
As the IPL 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Kartik Sharma to see how he performs. The young batsman has already shown that he has the talent and the potential to succeed at the highest level. With the guidance of the CSK team management and the support of his teammates, Sharma is expected to make a big impact in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, Kartik Sharma is a talented young cricketer who has already made a name for himself in the domestic cricket circuit. His impressive batting skills and ability to hit big sixes have earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting young batsmen in the country. With his recent signing by CSK for ₹14.2 crore, Sharma has become the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history. As the IPL 2026 season approaches, fans will be eagerly waiting to see how he performs and whether he can live up to the hype surrounding him.
News source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/auction/ipl-2026-auction-1515016/live-updates
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