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 saw many 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 Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a whopping ₹14.2 crore, making him the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history.
Kartik Sharma, 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 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 aggressive batting style, which has caught the attention of IPL franchises.
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 first-class debut for Rajasthan in 2022 and has since been a regular member of the team. His impressive performances in domestic cricket have earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting young batsmen in the country.
Kartik’s batting style is a unique blend of aggression and technique. He is known for his ability to hit big sixes and has a wide range of shots in his arsenal. His strike rate of 162.92 in T20 cricket is one of the highest among all players in the domestic circuit, and it’s no surprise that he has been compared to some of the biggest hitters in the game.
The IPL 2026 auction saw many franchises bidding for Kartik’s services, but it was CSK who eventually won the race. The franchise, known for its shrewd bidding strategy, was willing to pay a premium for Kartik’s services, and their bid of ₹14.2 crore was the highest for an uncapped player in the auction.
Kartik’s signing is a significant boost for CSK, who have been looking to rebuild their team after a few disappointing seasons. The franchise has a history of nurturing young talent, and Kartik is expected to play a key role in their batting lineup. With his aggressive batting style and ability to hit big sixes, Kartik is likely to be a crowd favorite at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, CSK’s home ground.
The IPL 2026 season is expected to be a exciting one, with many young players like Kartik Sharma making their debut. The tournament has always been a platform for young cricketers to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves, and Kartik is expected to be one of the most exciting players to watch out for.
In conclusion, Kartik Sharma is a talented young cricketer who has made a name for himself in the domestic cricket circuit. His impressive batting skills and aggressive style have caught the attention of IPL franchises, and his signing by CSK is a significant boost for the franchise. With his ability to hit big sixes and his strike rate of 162.92 in T20 cricket, Kartik is likely to be a crowd favorite in the IPL 2026 season.
As the IPL 2026 season approaches, fans will be eager to see Kartik Sharma in action. The young batsman has a lot to prove, but with his talent and aggressive batting style, he is expected to make a significant impact in the tournament. With CSK’s experienced coaching staff and talented squad, Kartik is likely to learn a lot and develop his skills further.
The IPL 2026 auction has been a exciting one, with many young players like Kartik Sharma being picked up by various franchises. The tournament is expected to be a thrilling one, with many talented players showcasing their skills and competing for the top prize. As the season approaches, fans will be eager to see their favorite teams and players in action, and Kartik Sharma is likely to be one of the most exciting players to watch out for.
For more information on the IPL 2026 auction and the latest updates on Kartik Sharma, please visit: https://www.espncricinfo.com/auction/ipl-2026-auction-1515016/live-updates
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