Why is IPL 2026's Newcomer Kartik Sharma So Excited to Team Up with MS Dhoni?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kartik Sharma is excited to join CSK and play with MS Dhoni.
- He was a joint-highest-priced uncapped player at the IPL auction.
- CSK invested Rs 14.20 crore for him and Prashant Veer.
- Kartik has a strong T20 record with a strike rate over 160.
- He is praised for his skills against both spin and pace.
New Delhi, Dec 17 (NationPress) The newest member of the Chennai Super Kings, Kartik Sharma, expressed his astonishment at the intense bidding competition among franchises during the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, revealing that he is thrilled to join forces with the legendary MS Dhoni.
Both Kartik and Prashant Veer emerged as the joint-highest-priced uncapped players in IPL history, with CSK investing a remarkable Rs 14.20 crore each for the duo. This significant expenditure, starting from a base price of Rs 30 lakh, underscores the franchise's commitment to fostering young talent.
In an interview with JioStar, Kartik expressed his gratitude towards his family and friends for their unwavering support, stating, “I owe my success to my family, who is celebrating this achievement with joy.”
“I am extremely excited to play alongside Mahendra Singh Dhoni and absorb his wisdom. Initially, I feared missing out when the bidding commenced. As the offers escalated, I was moved to tears. The emotions overwhelmed me, and it's difficult to articulate my joy,” he shared.
Kartik, known for his aggressive batting in the middle order and dependable wicketkeeping, has amassed 334 runs in 12 T20 matches at a striking rate of 164, including 28 sixes, placing him among the top six-hitters in the Ranji Trophy.
In white-ball domestic cricket, Kartik has developed a reputation for his powerful hitting in the lower order. During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy league stage, he scored 133 runs over five games, maintaining a striking rate exceeding 160. He has consistently achieved a strike rate above 160 in his brief T20 career.
Having previously trained with the CSK squad last season, Kartik has garnered admiration in the domestic circuit for his prowess against both spin and pace.