CSK’s ₹14.20 Crore Bet on a Young Indian Wicketkeeper: The IPL 2026 Mini Auction turned out to be a life-changing moment for Kartik Sharma, a young wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) showed huge faith in the uncapped talent and bought him for a massive ₹14.20 crore, even though his base price was just ₹30 lakh.
With this deal, Kartik Sharma became the joint most expensive uncapped Indian player in IPL history, alongside Prashant Veer. The move clearly shows CSK’s long-term vision of backing young Indian players.
Kartik Sharma IPL 2026 Team & Price
Kartik Sharma entered the auction in the uncapped players category and immediately triggered a bidding war. After intense competition, CSK secured him at a record price.
IPL 2026 Overview
- IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- IPL Price (2026): ₹14.20 Crore
- Base Price: ₹30 Lakh
- Category: Uncapped Indian
- IPL Debut: 2026
Read Also:- Most Successful Teams in IPL History
Kartik Sharma IPL Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kartik Sharma |
| Date of Birth | 26 April 2006 |
| Age | 19 Years |
| State Team | Rajasthan |
| Role | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling | Not a regular bowler |
| IPL Team (2026) | Chennai Super Kings |
| IPL 2026 Price | ₹14.20 Crore |
Why CSK Paid ₹14.20 Crore for Kartik Sharma
Chennai Super Kings are known for spotting young Indian talent early and backing them patiently. Kartik Sharma fits perfectly into that approach.
Key Strengths
- Explosive lower-order and middle-order hitting
- Consistent T20 strike rate above 160
- Reliable wicketkeeping skills
- Calm mindset despite young age
- Ability to finish matches under pressure
CSK see Kartik Sharma as a long-term finisher and wicketkeeping option for the future.
Kartik Sharma T20 Career Stats (Domestic)
Kartik Sharma has already made a strong impact in domestic T20 cricket.
T20 Batting Stats
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest | Average | Strike Rate | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 11 | 334 | 58 | 30.36 | 162.92 | 28 |
His six-hitting ability and fearless approach make him a dangerous T20 batter.
First-Class Career Stats
Kartik Sharma has also impressed in red-ball cricket, showing that he is more than just a T20 hitter.
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest | Average | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 11 | 479 | 139 | 43.54 | 3 |
List A Career Stats
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 445 | 123 | 55.62 | 118.03 |
These numbers show Kartik Sharma’s ability to build innings and play long knocks.
Recent Match Performances (Domestic)
Some notable recent performances by Kartik Sharma:
- 46 vs Karnataka (T20)
- 35 vs Tamil Nadu (T20)
- 18 vs Uttarakhand (T20)
- 139 vs Mumbai (First-Class)
- 120 vs Delhi (First-Class)
His performances across formats highlight his consistency and adaptability.
Read Also:- Who is the Owner of CSK Team in IPL 2026?
Kartik Sharma IPL Price History
| Year | Team | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹14.20 Crore |
Expected Role for Kartik Sharma in IPL 2026
In his debut IPL season, Kartik Sharma is expected to:
- Play as a middle-order or finishing batter
- Serve as a wicketkeeping option
- Be used as an impact player when required
- Gradually grow into a regular match-winner for CSK
Final Words
Kartik Sharma’s rise from a ₹30 lakh base-price uncapped player to a ₹14.20 crore IPL signing is one of the biggest stories of the IPL 2026 auction. Chennai Super Kings’ massive investment reflects their belief in his talent, temperament, and future potential.
If Kartik Sharma continues his domestic form at the IPL level, he could soon justify his price and become one of India’s most exciting young wicketkeeper-batters.
