Veteran spinner Ravichandran ashwin for a young Wicketeeper-prone name Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming ones Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Auction. The player in question has generated considerable attention for his explosive middle-order batting and impressive recent performances in domestic cricket.
Ravichandran Ashwin picks no young talent for CSK to chase in IPL 2026 auction
Ashwin suggested that CSK, who have recently released several players, could be seen Karthik Sharma As an important investment for the future, especially considering his previous experience in the CSK camp. This focus on a baggage-free power hitter reflects the team’s need to rebuild their inner core. The young talent’s excellent stats across formats make him a very attractive prospect for the franchise. Ashwin’s assessment pointed to the considerable value that Karthik brings to his specialized skills, especially as a power hitter in the tough middle order of T20 cricket.
Ashwin confirmed the young Rajasthani player’s high opinion: “Kartik Sharma is young and without baggage. He is a power hitter in the middle order. You can say you can bank on his talent.” Ashwin reflected on this challenging role with opportunities to match the top-order trend Ayush MhatreDespite performing well for CSK last year, he played in an easier top-order slot.
Ashwin highlighted the inherent difficulty of the finisher’s job, noting: “But Ayush Mhatre, I did well last year too, but let’s not forget he is playing in the top order. Batting there, it is not easy for a youngster to come in and make an impact in the middle order in T20 cricket.” This difficulty, combined with their wait for new talent, makes Sharma’s profile very desirable. Referring to a recently released player, Ashwin, with whom Ashwin was tied: “I didn’t expect these to leave Vansh Bedi. He definitely has his eye on Kartik Sharma now.”
Impressive form and CSK’s interest in advance
Kartik’s cricketing profile is defined by his attacking style as a wicketeeper-inclined backed by Stellar recent stats across formats. In the T20 format, he has already taken six innings in seven T20s, with a strong average of 33.50 and a fiery strike rate of 164.75. This power-hitting prowess saw him hit 16 sixes in just six overs in a recent Ranji Trophy contest where he scored a century against Mumbai.
19-year-old WicketKeeper-Bitye Karthik has become Rajasthan’s regular performer for Rajasthan, confirming his ability to highlight his batting in the first-class format for Rajasthan. In the ongoing 2025-26 season, with two centuries, including one on debut in the 2024-25 season, he is at 113 per cent, falling to 114 from 114 balls against Uttarakhand.
His recent form includes a magnificent century (192 off 192) against him mambay and a massive result of 120 (154) against Delhi Showcasing an aggressive mindset even in the longest format in November 2025, his Ranji career total of 76.80 and an average of 55.17 after six innings in the 2025-26 edition makes him one of the most exciting young fruits to watch.
Read: Mohammad Kaif picks two bowlers CSK could target in IPL 2026 Mini Auction
