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 players to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves in the cricketing world. The recently concluded IPL 2026 auction was no exception, with several uncapped players fetching hefty prices from the franchises. One such player who made headlines with his massive price tag is 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.
Sharma, who has been hailed as ‘Rajasthan’s six-hitting machine’, has been making waves in the domestic circuit with his explosive batting. The right-hander has played a total of eight first-class, nine List A, and 12 T20 matches, scoring 1,258 runs across all formats. His impressive strike rate of 162.92 in T20 cricket has caught the attention of the franchises, and CSK has shown faith in his abilities by investing a significant amount in him.
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 was part of the Rajasthan under-19 team that competed in the Cooch Behar Trophy, where he showcased his batting skills and helped his team win several matches. His impressive performances at the junior level earned him a spot in the Rajasthan Ranji Trophy team, where he has been playing consistently over the past two seasons.
Sharma’s rise to fame can be attributed to his exceptional hitting ability, particularly in the shorter format of the game. He has a wide range of shots in his arsenal, including the ability to hit sixes at will. His strike rate of 162.92 in T20 cricket is a testament to his aggressive batting style, which has earned him the nickname ‘Rajasthan’s six-hitting machine’.
Despite his young age, Sharma has already shown a great deal of maturity and composure on the field. He is a skilled wicketkeeper and has been praised by his coaches and teammates for his excellent glovework behind the stumps. His ability to bat and keep wickets makes him a valuable asset to any team, and CSK would be hoping that he can replicate his domestic form in the IPL.
The IPL 2026 auction saw several franchises bidding aggressively for Sharma, but it was CSK who ultimately secured his services for ₹14.2 crore. The amount is the highest ever paid for an uncapped player in the IPL, and it reflects the faith that the CSK management has in Sharma’s abilities.
Sharma’s signing is a significant boost to CSK’s batting lineup, which has been lacking a explosive hitter in the middle order. With Sharma on board, CSK would be hoping to address this issue and create a more balanced batting lineup. The young wicketkeeper-batter would be keen to prove himself on the biggest stage and make a name for himself in the cricketing world.
As the IPL 2026 season approaches, all eyes would be on Kartik Sharma to see how he performs for CSK. With his impressive domestic record and aggressive batting style, he has the potential to be a game-changer for his team. Only time will tell if he can live up to the expectations and justify the hefty price tag, but one thing is for sure – Kartik Sharma is a name to watch out for in the future.
In conclusion, Kartik Sharma’s signing by CSK for ₹14.2 crore is a significant development in the IPL, and it reflects the growing importance of young and talented players in the league. With his impressive domestic record and explosive batting style, Sharma has the potential to be a star player in the making. As the IPL 2026 season approaches, cricket fans would be eager to see him in action and witness the impact he can make on the field.
News source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/auction/ipl-2026-auction-1515016/live-updates
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