Ashok Sharma is a right-arm fast bowler from Rajasthan who has quietly built a strong reputation in India’s domestic circuit and finally earned an IPL deal at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. After initially going unsold, Gujarat Titans (GT) secured Ashok Sharma for Rs 90 lakh, making him GT’s first purchase of the IPL 2026 auction.
A long wait before an IPL breakthrough
Ashok Sharma entered the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a base price of Rs 30 lakh but received no bids in the early rounds. However, franchises continued to track his name closely due to his recent domestic performances. Gujarat Titans eventually stepped in and added him to their squad for Rs 90 lakh, backing his raw pace and wicket-taking ability.
This marks Ashok Sharma’s maiden IPL contract, ending years of being on the fringes of IPL squads.
Previous IPL associations
Although Ashok has never played an IPL match before, he is not entirely new to the league environment.
He has previously been associated with:
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – as a net bowler and extended squad member
- Rajasthan Royals (RR) – part of the setup before being released ahead of IPL 2025
Despite spending time around IPL camps, he never received a game, making the GT signing his first real opportunity to feature in the tournament.
Domestic form that caught attention
Ashok Sharma’s selection is firmly backed by his standout performances in domestic cricket, especially in the shortest format.
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26, India’s premier domestic T20 competition, Ashok emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, claiming 20 wickets in 9 matches. His ability to strike regularly, even on batting-friendly surfaces, made him one of the most talked-about uncapped pacers of the season.
Raw pace and attacking skillset
One of Ashok Sharma’s biggest strengths is genuine pace. He is known to consistently bowl above 140 km/h, a rare asset in Indian domestic cricket. Along with speed, he relies on:
- Hard lengths
- New-ball aggression
- Ability to rush batters with bounce
This combination makes him a natural fit for teams looking to develop Indian fast-bowling depth.
Why Gujarat Titans moved for him
Gujarat Titans have built a reputation for identifying and nurturing uncapped Indian talent, particularly fast bowlers. Ashok Sharma fits that template perfectly.
By signing him for Rs 90 lakh, GT have made a low-risk, high-upside investment in a bowler who:
- Is fresh from a tournament-leading T20 season
- Brings genuine pace to the squad
- Can be groomed as a long-term Indian fast-bowling option
What lies ahead
While Ashok Sharma may not be an automatic starter in IPL 2026, his signing puts him firmly on the radar. With strong domestic momentum and the backing of Gujarat Titans’ management, IPL 2026 could mark the beginning of his journey at the highest T20 level.
For now, Ashok Sharma stands out as one of the most interesting uncapped Indian pacers to finally get his IPL opportunity after years of waiting.
