From a base price of ₹30 Lakh to a ₹14.2 Crore deal—meet the Rajasthan teenager who just became the most expensive uncapped player in IPL history.
The IPL 2026 Auction has a new headline act, and his name is Kartik Sharma. In a bidding war that stunned the cricketing world, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) broke the bank for this 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, making him an overnight multi-millionaire.
The IPL 2026 Auction has officially found its headline story. In a move that shocked fans and experts alike, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) placed a record-breaking bid of ₹14.20 Crore to sign 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma.
From a base price of just ₹30 Lakh to becoming the joint-most expensive uncapped player in history, Kartik’s journey is the stuff of dreams. But who is he, and why were teams like Mumbai Indians and KKR fighting tooth and nail to sign him?
But who exactly is Kartik Sharma, and why were teams like Mumbai Indians, KKR, and CSK fighting to sign him? Here is everything you need to know about cricket’s newest superstar.
| Attribute | Details |
| Age | 19 Years |
| State Team | Rajasthan |
| Role | Wicketkeeper-Batter (Middle Order) |
| IPL Team | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) |
| Auction Price | ₹14.20 Crore (Base Price: ₹30 Lakh) |
| Key Stat | 16 Sixes in 5 Ranji Matches |
Who is Kartik Sharma?
Kartik Sharma is a 19-year-old cricketer from Rajasthan who has quickly built a reputation as a ferocious striker of the ball. Unlike many young players who take time to settle, Kartik is known for his “see ball, hit ball” philosophy, making him a dangerous asset in the T20 format.
- Role: Wicketkeeper-Batter (Middle Order/Finisher)
- State Team: Rajasthan
- IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Auction Price: ₹14.20 Crore
- Playing Style: Aggressive, 360-degree hitting
Kartik Sharma Photos
The “14 Crore” Shot: Why is He So Famous?
Kartik Sharma isn’t just another domestic player; he is a power-hitting phenomenon. Here is why he is trending on every social media platform right now:
- Clean Striking Ability: Kartik is known for clearing the boundary with ease. In the recent Ranji Trophy season, he smashed 16 sixes in just 5 matches, proving he can score big even in the longer format.
- The “Finisher” Role: CSK has been looking for a long-term successor to their legendary finishers. Kartik’s ability to bat at No. 5 or 6 and accelerate immediately (Strike Rate of 160+ in T20s) makes him the perfect fit.
- Record-Breaking Debut: He announced his arrival in First-Class cricket with a stunning century (113) on debut against Uttarakhand.
- Wicketkeeping Bonus: He provides the dual utility of a safe pair of hands behind the stumps, a skill highly valued in the IPL impact player era.
💰 The Auction Drama: A Bidding War for the Ages
The auction room in December 2025 witnessed absolute chaos when Kartik’s name came up.
- The Start: He entered with a humble base price of ₹30 Lakh.
- The Fight: Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) started the bid.
- The Escalation: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) jumped in, pushing the price past ₹5 Crore.
- The Climax: Just when KKR seemed to have him, CSK entered late and refused to back down, sealing the deal at a record-breaking ₹14.20 Crore.
Did You Know? Kartik Sharma is now the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history, sharing the record with his new teammate, Prashant Veer.
What’s Next for Kartik?
All eyes will be on the Chepauk Stadium this season. With a price tag this high, the pressure will be immense, but his domestic record suggests he thrives under fire. As he dons the famous Yellow Jersey, Kartik Sharma is no longer just a Rajasthan teenager—he is the new face of the IPL’s “Gen Z” superstars.
Conclusion: The Dawn of the Kartik Sharma Era
The IPL 2026 Auction will forever be remembered as the moment the uncapped domestic talent pool officially went supernova. At the heart of this revolution is Kartik Sharma.
Chennai Super Kings’ record-breaking ₹14.20 Crore investment isn’t just a high bid; it’s a profound statement of faith in the 19-year-old’s raw power, dual skill set (wicketkeeper-batter), and potential to be a long-term CSK finisher. By making him the joint most expensive uncapped player in IPL history, the franchise has signaled that they are aggressively building their core for the next decade.
The cricket world—from YouTube highlight reels to Google search trends—is now fixated on the young star. The pressure will be immense, but his domestic record, which includes a 164 strike rate in T20s and big hundreds in First-Class cricket, suggests he has the temperament to handle the Yellow Jersey spotlight.
Kartik Sharma is more than just an auction buy; he is the most exciting gamble on talent this season, and every cricket fan will be watching to see if this Rajasthan power-hitter can transform his promise into performance on the biggest T20 stage.
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