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 recent IPL 2026 auction was no exception, with several uncapped players fetching hefty sums from franchises. One such player who made headlines is Kartik Sharma, a 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan, who was bought by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a whopping ₹14.2 crore. This makes 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 ability to hit big shots and score quickly. Sharma’s talent and potential have been recognized by the CSK franchise, which has invested heavily in him, hoping that he will be a valuable addition to their team.
So, who is Kartik Sharma, and what makes him so special? Born and brought up in Rajasthan, Sharma 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. Sharma’s impressive performances in domestic cricket have earned him a reputation as a powerful hitter, capable of taking the game away from the opposition.
Sharma’s batting style is a mix of aggression and finesse. He has a strong technique, which allows him to play both pace and spin with ease. His ability to hit sixes at will has earned him the nickname ‘Rajasthan’s six-hitting machine’, and he has been compared to some of the biggest hitters in the game. Sharma’s strike rate of 162.92 in T20 cricket is a testament to his ability to score quickly and take the game away from the opposition.
The IPL 2026 auction was a big stage for Sharma, and he made the most of it. With several franchises interested in him, the bidding war for Sharma was intense. In the end, it was CSK who emerged as the winners, securing his services for ₹14.2 crore. This makes Sharma the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history, alongside Karnataka’s Krishnappa Gowtham, who was bought by Mumbai Indians for the same amount in 2021.
Sharma’s signing by CSK is a significant move for the franchise, which has been looking to rebuild its team after a few disappointing seasons. With the likes of MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina nearing the end of their careers, CSK needs young and talented players like Sharma to take the team forward. Sharma’s addition to the team will provide a much-needed boost to the batting lineup, and his ability to hit big shots will be a valuable asset to the team.
The IPL 2026 season is expected to be a big one for Sharma, who will be looking to make a name for himself on the big stage. With the likes of Dhoni, Raina, and other experienced players in the team, Sharma will have the opportunity to learn from the best and hone his skills. The pressure of playing for a big franchise like CSK will be intense, but Sharma seems to have the talent and the temperament to handle it.
In conclusion, Kartik Sharma is a talented young cricketer who has made a big impact in the domestic cricket circuit. His ability to hit big shots and score quickly has earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting young players in the game. With CSK investing heavily in him, Sharma will have the opportunity to showcase his skills on the big stage and make a name for himself in the IPL. As the cricket world waits with bated breath to see how Sharma performs in the upcoming IPL season, one thing is certain – this young man from Rajasthan is here to stay.
News Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/auction/ipl-2026-auction-1515016/live-updates
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