Kartik Sharma
| Kartik Sharma | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 26 April 2006 Rajasthan, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Cricketer |
| Batting | Right-handed |
| Role | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Domestic team | Rajasthan |
| IPL team | Chennai Super Kings |
| Years active | 2023–present |
| Known for | Most expensive uncapped player in IPL history |
Kartik Sharma (born 26 April 2006) is an Indian cricketer who plays as a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter for Rajasthan in domestic cricket. He rose to national prominence after being purchased by Chennai Super Kings for ₹14.2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, becoming the most expensive uncapped player in Indian Premier League history. Kartik is known for his power-hitting ability and effectiveness as a finisher in limited-overs formats.[1]
Early life and education
Kartik Sharma was born in Rajasthan, India. He began playing cricket at a young age on local grounds before joining a professional cricket academy. His coaches identified his talent early due to his fearless batting approach and clean ball-striking ability. He represented Rajasthan at the Under-14, Under-16, and Under-19 levels and consistently performed across age-group tournaments. Kartik has cited MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli as his cricketing inspirations.[2]
Career
Kartik Sharma has delivered consistent performances across all domestic formats. In first-class cricket, he has scored 479 runs in 11 innings at an average of 43.54, including three centuries. In List A cricket, he has accumulated 445 runs in 9 matches at an average of 55.62, with two centuries and two half-centuries to his name.[3]
In T20 cricket, Kartik is regarded as an aggressive middle-order batter. He has scored 334 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate close to 163, hitting 28 sixes. During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he emerged as the top scorer for Rajasthan, registering 133 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 160.24. His ability to score freely against high-quality spin bowling drew attention from IPL franchises.[4]
At the IPL 2026 auction, Kartik Sharma became the centre of a bidding war involving Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Chennai Super Kings secured his services for ₹14.2 crore, reflecting their confidence in his long-term potential.
Playing style
Kartik Sharma is a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter known for his explosive stroke play and match-finishing skills. He combines composure in longer formats with aggressive intent in T20 cricket, making him a versatile batting option.
Notable works
- Performances for Rajasthan in domestic cricket
- Power-hitting displays in T20 tournaments
- Selection by Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026
Achievements and recognition
- Most expensive uncapped player in IPL history
- Bought by Chennai Super Kings for ₹14.2 crore
- Three first-class centuries before the age of 20
- Recognised as a strong T20 finisher
External links
References
- ↑ https://www.msn.com/en-in/sports/cricket/who-is-kartik-sharma-20-year-old-from-rajasthan-tipped-to-be-most-expensive-uncapped-player-during-ipl-2026-auction/ar-AA1RGwVL
- ↑ https://m.economictimes.com/news/new-updates/kartik-sharma-went-4-years-without-selection-parents-sold-land-and-jewelry-19-year-old-bharatpur-cricketers-rise-to-a-rs-14-20-crore-csk-deal/articleshow/126055395.cms
- ↑ https://www.news18.com/cricket/who-is-kartik-sharma-rajasthan-cricketer-whos-now-ipls-joint-most-expensive-uncapped-player-ws-l-9773923.html
- ↑ https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/local/rajasthan/news/rajasthans-kartik-sharma-smashes-long-sixes-like-kevin-pietersen-bought-by-csk-for-1420-crore-136687730.html