IPL Auction 2026: Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful teams in history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has made an auction decision that has left its fans, social media and commentators stunned.
Who’s Kartik Sharma?
Kartik Sharma is a 19-year-old wicketkeeper batsman from Rajasthan who is well-known in the domestic circuits for his explosive lower-order batting in the prestigious Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy group stage, where he scored 133 runs in 5 matches.
DON'T MISS
Kartik has been quite consistent with a strike rate of more than 160. With yesterday’s auction, Kartik Sharma has become the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history, alongside Prashant Veer, the Dale Steyn from Jammu & Kashmir, who was bought by CSK for the same price.
Prashant Veer, an all-rounder from the state of Uttar Pradesh, has been a solid performer for the state in SMAT where he scored 112 runs in six innings at an average of more than 37 and a strike rate of above 170, with the highest score of 40 not out. Veer also took 9 wickets in seven matches at an average of around 18.
Kartik may step into the big shoes of Mahendra Singh Dhoni who is struggling to maintain the same impeccable form he has always been known of. In the history of IPL, CSK stood at the last position for the first time ever under the leadership of MS Dhoni.
The five-time IPL-winning captain, who is globally known for his astute leadership and calm demeanour, scored 196 runs in 14 matches in IPL 2025 with a strike rate of 135.17.
Why Was Kartik Sharma Bought in the IPL Auction 2026?
Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming secured the uncapped wicketkeeper batter Kartik Sharma for a whopping Rs. 14.2 crore.
Fleming said the 19-year-old sensation had been with the team for a while and his performances have been commendable. The player from Rajasthan will feature for the first time in IPL 2026.
