Who is Kartik Sharma, joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction for the 2026 season has been the talk of the town, with several young and exciting players going under the hammer. One such player who has made headlines is wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma, who was bought by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a whopping ₹14.2 crore. This makes 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’, Kartik Sharma is just 19 years old and has already made a name for himself in the cricketing circuit. The right-hander has played a total of eight first-class, nine List A, and 12 T20 matches, scoring an impressive 1,258 runs. His strike rate of 162.92 in T20 cricket is a testament to his aggressive batting style and ability to clear the ropes with ease.
Kartik Sharma’s rise to fame has been rapid, to say the least. The young wicketkeeper-batter has been making waves in the domestic cricket scene with his impressive performances for Rajasthan. His ability to score runs quickly and his power-hitting skills have made him a sought-after player in the IPL.
The IPL 2026 auction saw several teams bidding for Kartik Sharma, but it was CSK who eventually walked away with the player. The franchise, known for its shrewd bidding and ability to spot young talent, clearly sees something special in the 19-year-old. With a price tag of ₹14.2 crore, Kartik Sharma will be under pressure to perform, but he has the talent and the potential to justify the investment.
So, what makes Kartik Sharma so special? For starters, his batting style is a treat to watch. The young wicketkeeper-batter has a wide range of shots in his arsenal, and he is not afraid to take on the best bowlers in the business. His power-hitting skills are particularly impressive, and he has the ability to clear the ropes with ease.
Kartik Sharma’s wicketkeeping skills are also top-notch. The 19-year-old is agile behind the stumps and has a safe pair of hands. He has been known to effect some stunning dismissals, and his ability to read the game is impressive for someone so young.
The IPL 2026 season will be a big test for Kartik Sharma. With a price tag of ₹14.2 crore, he will be under pressure to perform, and the spotlight will be firmly on him. However, the young wicketkeeper-batter has the talent and the potential to justify the investment, and CSK will be hoping that he can deliver the goods.
In conclusion, Kartik Sharma is an exciting young player who has made a name for himself in the cricketing circuit. His power-hitting skills, wicketkeeping abilities, and aggressive batting style make him a valuable asset to any team. With a price tag of ₹14.2 crore, he is the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history, and the spotlight will be firmly on him during the IPL 2026 season.
As the cricketing world waits with bated breath to see how Kartik Sharma performs in the IPL, one thing is certain – this young wicketkeeper-batter has a bright future ahead of him. With his talent, potential, and dedication, he is sure to make a name for himself in the cricketing world, and CSK will be hoping that he can deliver the goods.
To get the latest updates on the IPL 2026 auction and Kartik Sharma’s journey, follow the live updates on the official ESPN Cricinfo website.
News source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/auction/ipl-2026-auction-1515016/live-updates