The cricketing world was set ablaze at the IPL 2026 mini-auction, but amidst the big names and international stars, it was a 19-year-old from Rajasthan who stole the headlines and shattered records. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – renowned for their shrewd acquisitions – made an audacious move, shelling out a staggering ₹14.20 crore for wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma, making him the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history. This life-changing sum not only eclipses his ₹30 lakh base price by a monumental margin but also heralds the arrival of a potential future superstar.
The uncapped sensation: Who is Kartik Sharma?
Born on April 26, 2006, Kartik is a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter who hails from the vibrant cricketing landscape of Rajasthan. At just 19, his aggressive batting style, particularly his penchant for clearing the ropes, has already earned him a formidable reputation in domestic circles. Before the auction, he was a name whispered among scouts, but after it, he is the name on every fan’s lips. His journey from local grounds to the grand stage of the IPL is a testament to raw talent, relentless hard work, and perhaps, a touch of destiny.
The auction frenzy: CSK’s daring bid
The bidding war for Kartik was arguably the most captivating segment of the mini-auction. Starting from his modest base price of ₹30 lakh, franchises like Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, and Kolkata Knight Riders quickly joined the fray, recognizing the untapped potential. As the price soared past the ₹5 crore mark, the competition intensified. It was a fierce battle between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, with both teams determined to secure the young talent. Ultimately, CSK’s persistent pursuit, backed by their tactical acumen, saw them clinch the deal for an eye-watering ₹14.20 crore. This move signals CSK’s continued faith in nurturing young, explosive Indian talent, a strategy that has often paid dividends for the Yellow Army.
Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Complete list of sold players with their price
Key facts about Kartik
- Kartik hails from the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan.
- His father, Manoj Sharma, was a school teacher who left his job over a decade ago to focus entirely on training Kartik. His mother, Radha, works as an anganwadi worker.
- He made a massive statement in red-ball cricket by scoring 113 on his Ranji Trophy debut for Rajasthan against Uttarakhand during the 2024–25 season.
- He became only the third Indian man to record a century on both his First Class and List A debuts.
- At age five, his father took him to train at the academy run by Lokendra Singh Chahar (father of Deepak and Rahul Chahar) in Agra.
- Signed by CSK for ₹14.20 crore, he shares the record for the highest price ever paid for an uncapped Indian player with his teammate Prashant Veer.
