Kartik Sharma is a 19-year-old uncapped Indian wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan who turned heads at the IPL 2026 mini-auction after being snapped up by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a massive Rs 14.20 crore. The bidding for the young finisher saw an intense three-way battle involving CSK, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), before CSK eventually went all out to secure him.
A young finisher with rare skill-set
Kartik Sharma is regarded as one of the most exciting young wicketkeeper-batters in Indian domestic cricket. He bats in the middle order and is known for his explosive finishing ability, boasting a T20 strike rate of over 160. His power-hitting, range against spin and pace, and calmness under pressure have quickly separated him from his peers.
Born on April 26, 2006, Kartik represents Rajasthan in domestic cricket and has already shown maturity well beyond his age.
Domestic performances that caught attention
Kartik announced himself on the big stage during the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, where he scored a century on first-class debut, a rare feat for a teenager. He followed that up with consistent performances in white-ball cricket.
In the 2024–25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kartik finished as Rajasthan’s leading run-scorer, amassing 445 runs, underlining his ability to build innings in the 50-over format. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he impressed as a middle-order batter, playing impactful cameos and showcasing his six-hitting ability in pressure situations.
IPL trials and KKR buzz
Kartik’s rise accelerated after a highly impressive trial with Kolkata Knight Riders, where he reportedly smashed a 100 at a strike rate of around 285. That innings created strong buzz among IPL scouts and firmly established him as a serious auction prospect.
KKR remained heavily interested and stayed in the bidding for a long time. However, once SRH entered aggressively around the Rs 14 crore mark, the auction turned into a high-stakes battle involving CSK, SRH, and KKR.
CSK’s decisive move
Chennai Super Kings ultimately won the bidding war at Rs 14.20 crore, making Kartik Sharma one of the most expensive uncapped Indian players in IPL history. The price reflects CSK’s belief in Kartik’s long-term value, particularly his dual role as a wicketkeeper and explosive finisher.
With CSK keen to strengthen their Indian middle order and plan for the future, Kartik fits perfectly into their philosophy of backing young talent with clear roles.
High praise from experts
Former cricketers and analysts, including Kevin Pietersen and Aakash Chopra, have publicly praised Kartik Sharma’s power-hitting ability and composure, tipping him as a future star capable of consistently clearing the ropes at the highest level.
What lies ahead
For Kartik Sharma, the Rs 14.20 crore deal marks a meteoric rise from domestic cricket to the IPL spotlight. For CSK, it represents a bold investment in a young Indian wicketkeeper-finisher, a role that is both rare and highly valuable in T20 cricket.
As IPL 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on how the teenage sensation adapts to the pressure and expectations that come with one of the biggest auction price tags of the season.
