Who is Kartik Sharma, joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction for the 2026 season has been nothing short of exciting, with teams splurging millions of dollars on some of the biggest names in cricket. However, one player who has caught everyone’s attention 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.
So, who is Kartik Sharma, and what makes him so special? Hailed as ‘Rajasthan’s six-hitting machine’, Sharma has been making waves in the domestic cricket circuit with his impressive batting skills. The right-hander has played a total of 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 rise to fame has been rapid, to say the least. The 19-year-old has been playing cricket from a young age and has been part of the Rajasthan cricket team in various age groups. His impressive performances in the domestic circuit caught the attention of the IPL franchises, and it was only a matter of time before he was picked up by one of the teams.
CSK’s decision to splurge ₹14.2 crore on Sharma is a clear indication of the team’s faith in his abilities. The franchise has a history of identifying and nurturing young talent, and Sharma is the latest addition to their roster. The team’s coach and management will be hoping that Sharma can replicate his domestic form in the IPL and help the team win matches.
Sharma’s playing style is reminiscent of some of the great wicketkeeper-batters in the game. He is known for his aggressive batting style, which includes a wide range of shots, including the signature six-hitting ability that has earned him the nickname ‘Rajasthan’s six-hitting machine’. His ability to score quickly and take the game away from the opposition will be a valuable asset for CSK in the upcoming season.
The IPL auction has always been a platform for young and uncapped players to showcase their skills and earn big money. Sharma’s signing is a testament to the fact that the IPL is committed to identifying and nurturing young talent. The platform has given numerous players the opportunity to launch their careers, and Sharma is the latest beneficiary of this system.
As the IPL season approaches, all eyes will be on Sharma to see how he performs on the big stage. The pressure of playing in front of a massive audience and the weight of expectations from his team and fans will be a challenge for the young player. However, if his domestic form is anything to go by, Sharma is ready for the challenge.
In conclusion, Kartik Sharma is a talented young wicketkeeper-batter who has been making waves in the domestic cricket circuit. His signing by CSK for ₹14.2 crore is a testament to his abilities, and he will be one of the players to watch out for in the upcoming IPL season. With his aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly, Sharma has the potential to be a game-changer for CSK.
As the cricket world waits with bated breath to see how Sharma performs in the IPL, one thing is certain – the young player has a bright future ahead of him. With the right guidance and support, Sharma can go on to achieve great things in the world of cricket.
News source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/auction/ipl-2026-auction-1515016/live-updates
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