Kartik Sharma is a 20‑year‑old Indian wicketkeeper‑batter from Rajasthan who has quickly risen to prominence in domestic cricket and the IPL. In 2026, he became one of the joint‑most expensive uncapped Indian players when Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bought him for ₹14.20 crore, and he has already delivered match‑winning knocks, including an unbeaten 54 against Mumbai Indians and 41 against Delhi Capitals.
Personal & Career Overview
- Full Name: Kartik Sharma
- Born: 26 April 2006, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India
- Age: 20 (2026)
- Batting Style: Right‑handed
- Role: Wicketkeeper‑batter
- Domestic Team: Rajasthan
- IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings (2026–present)
Career Highlights
- Domestic Debuts:
- First‑Class: November 2024 vs Uttarakhand
- List A: December 2024 vs Maharashtra
- T20: November 2024 vs Bihar
- IPL 2026 Auction: Acquired by CSK for ₹14.20 crore, joint‑highest bid for an uncapped Indian player.
- IPL 2026 Performances:
- 54* vs Mumbai Indians (May 2026) – praised by Cheteshwar Pujara as a “very important innings.”
- 41* vs Delhi Capitals (May 2026) – lauded by Irfan Pathan for his ability to read spin and dominate the off‑side.
- Record: Second youngest CSK batter to score an IPL fifty (20 years, 6 days).
Kartik Sharma Statistics
| Format | Matches | Runs | Avg | HS | 100s/50s | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First‑Class | 8 | 479 | 43.54 | 139 | 3/0 | |
| List A | 9 | 445 | 55.62 | 123 | 2/2 | |
| T20s | 19 | 487 | 30.43 | 58 | 0/3 | |
| IPL (2026) | 7 | 153 | 30.60 | 54* | 0/1 |
Style & Strengths
- Batting: Aggressive stroke‑play, especially strong over the covers against spin.
- Spin Reading: Praised for picking variations like the googly early, making him difficult to contain in the middle overs.
- Temperament: Calm under pressure, allowing senior partners like Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad to play freely.
- Wicketkeeping: Reliable glovework, adding depth to his role as a dual‑skill player.
Conclusion on Kartik Sharma:
Kartik Sharma’s rapid ascent from Rajasthan’s domestic circuit to the IPL spotlight illustrates the promise of India’s next generation of wicketkeeper‑batters. His calm temperament and ability to read spin have already earned him praise from legends like Cheteshwar Pujara and Irfan Pathan. At the same time, his match‑winning knocks for Chennai Super Kings in 2026 showcased maturity beyond his years. At just 20, he has combined technical skill with composure under pressure, positioning himself as a future contender for India’s middle order and wicketkeeping duties. With consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, Sharma’s trajectory points toward a long and impactful career, making him one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket today.
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