The IPL 2026 mini-auction witnessed a thrilling moment when a 19-year-old wicketkeeper batsman, Kartik Sharma, lit up the room within minutes. Hailing from Rajasthan, this explosive batsman didn't just captivate on the field but also sent shockwaves across the auction tables. With a base price of 3 million, the interest Kartik garnered from franchise teams was nothing short of spectacular. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made a record-breaking bid of 142 million.
With this, Kartik Sharma became the joint highest-paid uncapped player in the IPL auction history, matching Prashant Veer's feat. Interestingly, just moments earlier, another uncapped player, Prashant Veer (CSK), received the same amount, also starting with a base price of 3 million. The previous record was held by Avesh Khan, who was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for 100 million in 2022.
The Journey from 3 Million to 142 Million
The bidding commenced with Mumbai Indians, but Lucknow Super Giants quickly joined in. As MI stepped back, a fierce battle ensued between KKR and Lucknow Super Giants. Despite an injury, Kartik’s middle-order power-hitting left franchises hesitant to bow out. His dominance against spin, particularly targeting seasoned bowlers like Sai Kishore and Shreyas Gopal in SMAT, laid the foundation for this bidding war.
From Ranji to IPL—The Six-Hitting Connection
Being among the top six-hitters in the Ranji Trophy had already put Kartik on the radar. Last season, he trained with the CSK camp, allowing Chennai to closely assess his skills. KKR led with 28 million until CSK made an unexpected entry, changing the course of the auction.
CSK’s Aggressive Stance
Once the bids crossed 60 million, it was clear that this wasn’t CSK’s usual strategy. Typically, they wager on proven players, but this time, they showed unrestrained determination for an uncapped player. With bids escalating to 80 million, 100 million, and then 120 million, the excitement in the auction hall surged. Both franchises sought a middle-order finisher, and Kartik seemed an ideal fit.
Statistics That Tell a Tale
These statistics justify his price. He scored 334 runs in 12 T20 matches, maintaining a strike rate of 164 with 28 sixes—not just numbers, but evidence of his hitting prowess. His power-hitting videos have gone viral, earning accolades from the likes of Kevin Pietersen and R. Ashwin.
At 122 million, Chennai Super Kings gained an edge; KKR requested a pause to strategize, yet rejoined. A surprising entry from Sunrisers Hyderabad was met with applause, though they soon bowed out. Finally, the hammer dropped—Kartik Sharma was CSK’s for 142 million.
Chennai Super Kings have acquired a player for IPL 2026 who can change games from the lower order. If fitness remains uncompromised, Kartik Sharma might not just be a costly bid but the X-factor of CSK’s middle order.
