The world of cricket was on fire IPL 2026 mini auctionbut among the big names and international stars, it was a 19-year-old from Rajasthan who stole the headlines and broke records. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – known for their smart buys – made a bold move and collected a staggering ₹ 14.20 crore for the keeper-fruit. Karthik Sharmamaking him the joint costliest player in IPL history. This life-changing amount not only beats his base price of ₹30 lakh by a monumental margin, but also heralds the arrival of a potential future superstar.
Open sensation: Who is Kartik Sharma?
Born on 26 April 2006, Karthik is a right-handed wicketkeeper hailing from the vibrant cricket scene of Rajasthan. At just 19 years of age, his aggressive batting style, especially his penchant for clearing the strings, has already earned him a great reputation in domestic circles. A name whispered among scouts before the auction, it’s the name on every fan’s lips afterward. His journey from the locale to the grand stage of the IPL is a testament to raw talent, relentless hard work and perhaps a touch of fate.
Auction frenzy: CSK’s bold bid
For Karthik, the bidding war was undoubtedly the most fascinating segment of the mini-auction. Starting at a 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 crossed 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. In the end, CSK’s dogged pursuit backed by their tactical prowess saw them bag an eye-watering ₹14.20 crore deal. The move shows CSK’s continued belief 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 prices
Basic facts about Karthik
- Karthik hails from Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district.
- His father Manoj Sharma was a school teacher who quit his job more than a decade ago to devote his full attention to Karthik’s training. 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 in the 2024-25 season.
- He became the third Indian to score a century on both First Class and List A debuts.
- At the age of five, his father took him to train at an academy run by Lokendra Singh Chahar (his father). Deepak and Rahul Chahar) in Agra.
- Signed by CSK for ₹ 14.20 crore, he shares the record with his teammate for the highest price paid for an Indian player. Prashant Veer.
