Kartik Sharma

Kartik Sharma is a dynamic 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan who emerged as the headline story of the IPL 2026 auction. In a record-breaking bidding war, Chennai Super Kings secured his services for a staggering ₹14.2 crore, making him the joint-most expensive uncapped player in the history of the league. Known for his explosive power-hitting and a strike rate exceeding 160 in domestic T20s, Kartik has quickly earned a reputation as a 'six-hitting machine.' His ability to clear the ropes from the first ball and his versatility in the middle order make him a vital asset for CSK as they look to integrate fresh, aggressive talent into their lineup.

Beyond his aggressive batting, Kartik brings a solid technical foundation to the squad, having scored a century on his Ranji Trophy debut against Uttarakhand. His domestic form has been nothing short of exceptional, topping the run charts for Rajasthan in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with an average of 55.62 and multiple centuries. Managed by JSW Sports and mentored by the likes of the Chahar family, he possesses the calm temperament required to thrive under the immense pressure of the IPL. As a dual-role player who can anchor an innings or finish with a flourish, Kartik is widely viewed as a long-term successor in the wicketkeeping department for the Men in Yellow.