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 recently concluded IPL 2026 auction saw some exciting young players being picked up by various franchises, and one such player is wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma. Hailed as ‘Rajasthan’s six-hitting machine’, 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.
At just 19 years old, Kartik Sharma has already made a significant impact in the cricketing world. The right-hander has played eight first-class, nine List A, and 12 T20 matches, scoring a total of 1,258 runs. His impressive strike rate of 162.92 in T20 cricket has caught the attention of many, and it’s no surprise that he was one of the most sought-after players in the IPL auction.
So, who is Kartik Sharma, and what makes him so special? Born and brought up in Rajasthan, Sharma has been playing cricket from a young age. He started his cricketing journey at the district level, playing for his local team in various age-group tournaments. His impressive performances at the district level earned him a spot in the Rajasthan state team, and he soon made his debut in first-class cricket.
Sharma’s rise to fame was rapid, and he soon became known for his aggressive batting style and ability to hit sixes at will. His impressive performances in domestic cricket caught the attention of the national selectors, and he was soon picked up by the India U-19 team. Although he didn’t get to play many matches for the U-19 team, his performances in domestic cricket continued to impress, and he was soon being talked about as one of the most exciting young players in Indian cricket.
The IPL auction was always going to be a big test for Sharma, and he passed it with flying colors. His base price was set at ₹20 lakh, but he was eventually sold to CSK for ₹14.2 crore, making him the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history. The fact that CSK, one of the most successful franchises in the IPL, was willing to spend so much money on him is a testament to his talent and potential.
So, what can we expect from Kartik Sharma in the IPL? The young wicketkeeper-batter has already shown that he has the ability to hit sixes at will, and his aggressive batting style is likely to excite the fans. He is also a skilled wicketkeeper, and his ability to bat and keep wicket will make him a valuable asset to the CSK team.
The IPL is a big stage, and it can be overwhelming for young players. However, Sharma seems to have the temperament and the talent to succeed at this level. He has already shown that he can perform under pressure, and his ability to handle the big stage will be crucial for CSK’s success in the IPL.
The fact that CSK was willing to spend so much money on Sharma also shows that they have big plans for him. The franchise has a history of nurturing young talent, and they will likely give Sharma the opportunity to play regularly and develop his skills. With the likes of MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming guiding him, Sharma will have the perfect platform to learn and grow as a player.
In conclusion, Kartik Sharma is an exciting young player who has already made a significant impact in Indian cricket. His impressive performances in domestic cricket and his ability to hit sixes at will have made him a sought-after player in the IPL. The fact that he was sold to CSK for ₹14.2 crore makes him the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history, and it will be exciting to see how he performs in the IPL.
With the IPL just around the corner, fans will be eagerly waiting to see Sharma in action. Will he be able to live up to the hype and perform well for CSK? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – Kartik Sharma is a player to watch out for in the future.
News Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/auction/ipl-2026-auction-1515016/live-updates
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