Who is Kartik Sharma, joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a platform for young, talented cricketers to make a name for themselves and take their careers to the next level. The recently concluded IPL 2026 auction was no exception, with several uncapped players fetching hefty sums. One such player is wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma, who 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.
Hailed as ‘Rajasthan’s six-hitting machine’, Kartik Sharma has been making waves in the domestic cricket circuit with his impressive batting skills. The 19-year-old has played a total of eight first-class, nine List A, and 12 T20 matches, scoring a cumulative 1,258 runs. His strike rate of 162.92 in T20 cricket is particularly noteworthy, showcasing his ability to hit big shots and score quickly.
Kartik Sharma’s rise to fame has been rapid, to say the least. The right-hander has been playing cricket from a young age and has worked his way up the ranks, representing Rajasthan in various age-group tournaments. His impressive performances in these tournaments caught the attention of scouts and selectors, leading to his inclusion in the state’s senior team.
In his short career so far, Kartik Sharma has already shown glimpses of his potential. He has scored runs consistently across formats, with his T20 strike rate being a particular standout. His ability to hit sixes at will has earned him the moniker ‘Rajasthan’s six-hitting machine’, and it’s easy to see why. Sharma’s powerful batting style, combined with his agility behind the stumps, makes him a valuable asset to any team.
The CSK franchise, known for their shrewd auctions and ability to spot talent, clearly sees something special in Kartik Sharma. By bidding ₹14.2 crore for him, they have shown that they are willing to invest in his potential and give him the platform to succeed at the highest level. It will be interesting to see how Sharma adapts to the pressures of IPL cricket, but one thing is certain – he has the talent and the backing to make a significant impact.
The IPL 2026 auction was a mixed bag for teams, with some franchises opting to strengthen their squads with established players, while others chose to invest in young, uncapped talent. The auction saw several records being broken, with some players fetching sums that were previously unheard of. Kartik Sharma’s price tag of ₹14.2 crore is a testament to the growing popularity of the IPL and the increasing willingness of franchises to invest in young talent.
As the IPL continues to grow and evolve, it will be fascinating to see how players like Kartik Sharma adapt to the demands of the tournament. With the competition getting fiercer by the year, it’s not just about the money – it’s about the opportunity to make a name for oneself and take one’s career to the next level. For Kartik Sharma, the stage is set. With the backing of a strong franchise like CSK, he has the perfect platform to showcase his skills and make a lasting impact on the IPL.
In conclusion, Kartik Sharma’s emergence as the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history is a testament to his talent and potential. With a strike rate of 162.92 in T20 cricket and a cumulative 1,258 runs across formats, he has already shown glimpses of what he is capable of. As he prepares to make his IPL debut with CSK, the cricketing world will be watching with bated breath. Will he live up to the hype, or will the pressure of the big stage get to him? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Kartik Sharma is a name to watch out for in the world of cricket.
News source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/auction/ipl-2026-auction-1515016/live-updates
About the Author
