Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has named a younger wicketkeeper-batter as a possible goal for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) within the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 public sale. The participant in query has generated vital consideration attributable to his explosive middle-order batting and spectacular latest performances in home cricket.
Ravichandran Ashwin picks uncapped younger expertise for CSK to pursue in IPL 2026 Public sale
Ashwin advised that CSK, having not too long ago launched a number of gamers, would possibly view Kartik Sharma as an essential funding for the long run, particularly given his prior expertise within the CSK camp. This give attention to a baggage-free power-hitter displays the workforce’s must rebuild their home core. The younger expertise’s wonderful statistics throughout codecs make him a extremely enticing prospect for franchises. Ashwin’s evaluation targeted on the numerous worth that Kartik’s specialised expertise convey, particularly as a power-hitter within the difficult center order of T20 cricket.
Ashwin confirmed his excessive opinion of the younger Rajasthan participant, stating: “Kartik Sharma is younger and baggage-free. He’s an influence hitter within the center order. You may say which you could financial institution on his expertise.” Ashwin contrasted this troublesome position with the alternatives afforded to top-order batter like Ayush Mhatre, who, regardless of performing effectively for CSK final yr, performed within the simpler top-order slot.
Ashwin pressured the inherent problem of the finisher’s job, noting: “However Ayush Mhatre carried out effectively final yr, however let’s not neglect, he performs within the prime order. It’s simpler to bat there however for a teenager to return in and create impression within the center order in T20 cricket is just not simple.” This problem, mixed with the expectations for brand new expertise to be groomed, makes Sharma’s profile extremely fascinating. Referring to a not too long ago launched participant, Ashwin concluded by stating: “I didn’t count on them to depart Vansh Bedi. They could positively have a watch on Kartik Sharma now.”
Additionally READ: IPL 2026: Why did CSK release Matheesha Pathirana? CEO Kasi Viswanathan breaks silence on the high-profile decision
Spectacular kind and CSK’s prior curiosity
Kartik’s cricket profile is outlined by his aggressive type as a wicketkeeper-batter, backed by stellar latest statistics throughout codecs. Within the T20 format, he has already recorded 201 runs in six innings throughout seven T20s, sustaining a robust common of 33.50 and a fiery strike charge of 164.75. This power-hitting functionality is additional demonstrated by his file of 16 sixes in simply six innings in the course of the Ranji Trophy, a contest the place he not too long ago scored a century towards Mumbai.
The 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Kartik has been a standout performer for Rajasthan within the Ranji Trophy, confirming his skill to transition his power-hitting to the First-Class format. Within the ongoing 2025-26 season, he has smashed two centuries, together with a debut hundred within the 2024-25 season the place he scored 113 off simply 114 balls towards Uttarakhand.
His latest kind features a spectacular century (139 off 192) towards Mumbai and a large rating of 120 (154) towards Delhi in November 2025. Demonstrating an aggressive mindset even within the longest format, his total Ranji profession contains a strike charge exceeding 76.80 and a median of 55.17 after six innings within the 2025-26 version, making him one of the vital thrilling younger batters to observe.
Additionally READ: Mohammad Kaif picks two bowlers CSK can target in IPL 2026 mini auction
