From rented nets in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, to potentially sharing a dressing room with his idol, MS Dhoni, Kartik Sharma's journey has been nothing short of a fairytale. The 19-year-old wicket-keeper batter became a household name overnight after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) acquired him for a staggering INR 14.20 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. This monumental bid not only stunned the auction room but also etched Kartik's name in IPL history as the joint-most expensive uncapped player, alongside Prashant Veer, who was also picked up by CSK for the same amount.
Born in April 2006, Kartik's passion for cricket ignited in the streets and local academies of Rajasthan. His father, Manoj Sharma, a teacher, recognized his son's potential early on and even quit his job over a decade ago to fully support Kartik's cricketing aspirations. The family, including Kartik’s mother Radha, an anganwadi worker, and two younger siblings, relied on Radha’s income and support from relatives to make ends meet. This unwavering support system proved to be the bedrock of Kartik's journey, fueling his determination to excel.
Kartik's domestic career has been marked by consistent performances and a fearless approach. He made his Ranji Trophy debut for Rajasthan against Uttarakhand in the 2024-25 season, announcing his arrival with a century. He further solidified his reputation as a reliable top-order batter in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, emerging as Rajasthan's top run-scorer with 445 runs in 9 matches. However, it was his explosive batting in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy that truly caught the attention of IPL scouts. In the 2025 edition, he scored 133 runs in 5 matches with a striking strike rate of over 160, showcasing his ability to clear the boundary with ease. To date, Kartik has amassed 334 runs in his T20 career with a strike rate of 164, having already smashed 28 sixes.
The IPL 2026 auction witnessed an intense bidding war for Kartik, with Mumbai Indians initiating the process at a base price of INR 30 lakh. Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants then aggressively raised the stakes before CSK entered the fray. Sunrisers Hyderabad attempted a late intervention, but CSK's determination prevailed, securing Kartik for the hefty sum.
Overcome with emotion, Kartik revealed that he broke down in tears during the bidding process. Acknowledging the sacrifices made by his family and expressing his eagerness to share the dressing room with MS Dhoni, Kartik described the opportunity as a dream come true. He has long admired Dhoni and Virat Kohli.
Kartik's success story is not just about talent; it's a testament to perseverance, family support, and unwavering self-belief. His journey from humble beginnings to the grand stage of the IPL serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers across the country. As he gears up to don the CSK jersey, the cricketing world eagerly anticipates witnessing the next chapter in this young star's promising career.
