Kartik Sharma, a 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan, stunned everyone at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Chennai Super Kings picked him for a massive ₹14.20 crore, making him the highest price for an uncapped Indian of the auction.
Kartik’s natural talent, fearless power-hitting, and confidence at a young age have set him apart. Let’s look at the early life and career stats of this youngster.
Kartik Sharma Early Life and Profile
Kartik Sharma is a right-handed middle-order batter and wicketkeeper who stands out for his natural timing and calm mindset at the crease. Born on April 26, 2006, in Rajasthan, Kartik comes from a middle-class family and began his cricket journey simply. At just five years old, he played street cricket using a plastic bat, dreaming big from a small beginning. Those early days built his love for the game and shaped his fearless style of play.
A major role in his growth was played by his father, a former cricketer, who trained him with great dedication. After practice sessions in Agra, his father would throw 200 to 300 balls every day, helping Kartik develop his power and six-hitting skills. This strong foundation, combined with hard work and discipline, has turned Kartik Sharma into one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket today.
Career Stats of Kartik Sharma
Kartik Sharma made an instant impact in red-ball cricket with a dream first-class debut for Rajasthan in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy. Facing Uttarakhand, he scored a brilliant 113 off just 115 balls from the middle order. Since that debut, Kartik has played eight first-class matches and scored 479 runs at an impressive average of 43.54.
During the 2024–25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kartik Sharma emerged as Rajasthan’s leading run-scorer. He piled up 445 runs in eight innings at an excellent average of 55.62 and a strike rate of 118.03. With two centuries and two fifties, Kartik established himself as a reliable and explosive batter for the future.
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Class | 8 | 11 | 479 | 139 | 43.54 | 79.04 | 3 |
| List A | 9 | 8 | 445 | 123 | 55.62 | 118.03 | 2 |
| T20s | 12 | 11 | 334 | 58 | 30.36 | 162.92 | 0 |
CSK Bought Him for INR 14.2 Crore For IPL 2026
As an uncapped player, he kept his base price at INR 30 lakh, with bidding starting through LSG and MI. MI and LSG fought till INR 1.1 crore. CSK joined LSG for INR 4 crore. However, LSG left the bid, but his bidding price continued with RR and later SRH. CSK and SRH have an intense bidding war for him, but the 5-time champion eventually brought him in for INR 14.20.
This historic bid made him the costliest uncapped player in IPL history. Along with him, CSK now has Sanju Samson and MS Dhoni as a wicket-keeper batter.
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