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Kartik Sharma bags historic 14.20 Cr deal in IPL auction; joins CSK for 2026 season

Debashis Sarangi

Kartik Sharma in action [Source: @Sportskeeda/X]Kartik Sharma in action [Source: @Sportskeeda/X]

In a remarkable achievement, Kartik Sharma became the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL auction history. The uncapped wicketkeeper-batter joined Chennai Super Kings for the IPL 2026 season. 

Kartik Sharma bags joint-highest uncapped IPL 2026 auction bid

Kartik Sharma was expected to bag a lucrative deal in the IPL 2026 auction, thanks to his exceptional recent form. As soon as his name went up for the grabs, Mumbai Indians put up the opening bid of INR 30 lakhs. 

Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders had a long bidding war between themselves before Chennai Super Kings jumped into the auction table. Despite having three wicketkeepers, CSK desperately wanted Kartik, the batter, to boost their middle order. 

Eventually, Kartik Sharma secured a bid worth INR 14.2 crores, becoming the joint-most expensive uncapped player in the IPL auction history alongside Prashant Veer, who, coincidentally joined CSK for the next season. 

Who is Kartik Sharma?

Kartik Sharma is a young batter, who recently showcased remarkable form in the domestic circuit. He plays for Rajasthan in the domestics and has struck 334 runs at an average of 30.36 and a strike rate of 162.92. 

Unlike most modern-day keeper-batters, Kartik Sharma bats in the middle order. He had a breakthrough Vijay Hazare Trophy last season, amassing 445 runs in just eight innings at an average of 55.63 and a strike rate of 118.04. He was also impressive in the Punjab T20 last season, grabbing the limelight with his hard-hitting prowess. 

The 19-year-old cricketer made his T20 debut for Rajasthan in a domestic game against Bihar in November 2024. He has been unstoppable with the bat since then, and, considering CSK had to revamp their middle order after releasing Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, it was a smart signing by the five-time champions in the mini auction.