Kartik Sharma's 71 vs LSG: Rayudu says he's becoming a complete middle-order batter
Synopsis
Ambati Rayudu's verdict on Kartik Sharma is unambiguous: the CSK youngster, who blasted 71 off 42 balls against LSG, is no longer a project — he's a middle-order batter in the making. The rapid jump from No. 6/7 to No. 4/5, and the ability to clear the rope against both pace and spin, is what sets him apart in IPL 2025.
Key Takeaways
Kartik Sharma scored 71 off 42 balls — with six fours and five sixes — against LSG at the Ekana Stadium on 16 May .
Former India batter Ambati Rayudu called Kartik's preparation against pace 'exceptional' and said he is 'turning into a complete middle-order batter.' Kartik moved up from No.
4/5 during IPL 2025, with a marked improvement in output since the positional shift.
CSK posted 187/5 but lost by seven wickets , as Mitchell Marsh's 90 and a 135-run opening stand with Josh Inglis powered LSG home.
Rayudu believes Kartik's strike rate will improve further once he masters the art of rotating strike on different surfaces.
Kartik Sharma's fighting 71 off 42 balls against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2025 has drawn high praise from former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu, who believes the youngster is rapidly evolving into a complete middle-order player. The knock, laced with six fours and five sixes, came after CSK lost early wickets in a seven-wicket defeat at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on 16 May.
Rayudu's Assessment of Kartik's Innings
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut show, Rayudu singled out Kartik's preparation against pace as a standout quality. 'I think it's been exceptional. He was prepared for a lot of short bowling against a team that has good fast bowlers — that shows his preparation has been spot on,' Rayudu said.
Rayudu was equally impressed by Kartik's reading of spin bowling. 'His game against spin, too, has been quite exceptional in reading length. I just think he's turning into a complete middle-order batter. Especially for conditions at home in India, he is looking very, very good,' he added.
Power-Hitting Against Both Pace and Spin
The former CSK campaigner noted that Kartik already possesses the rare ability to clear the rope against both pace and spin — a hallmark of elite T20 middle-order batters. 'He can hit sixes against both fast bowlers and spinners. His batsmanship will improve over time with confidence and experience. He will understand better when to take singles and doubles on certain pitches. Once he gets into those details, I feel his strike rate will improve even more,' Rayudu said.
Rapid Progress Despite a Tough Early Role
Rayudu also highlighted how quickly Kartik has adapted after being used lower down the order earlier in the IPL 2025 season. 'His progress has been pretty rapid, and he's looking really good. He is a fast learner. He was learning on the job because he batted at No. 6 and No. 7 in the first half of the IPL, which is not an easy role. But since he has started batting at No. 4 and No. 5, he has been batting exceptionally well,' he said.
Match Context: CSK Fall Short Despite Kartik's Effort
CSK posted 187/5, with Kartik's knock complemented by an unbeaten 32 from Shivam Dube. However, LSG overhauled the target comfortably, powered by a brilliant 90 from Mitchell Marsh and a 135-run opening partnership with Josh Inglis. The result leaves CSK's campaign under pressure, but Kartik's individual form offers a rare bright spot.
With the second half of IPL 2025 underway, how Kartik builds on this knock — and whether CSK can find more consistent batting support around him — will be closely watched.
Point of View
And Kartik appears to be justifying it. What mainstream coverage misses is the rarity of a young batter who can clear the rope against both pace and spin in Indian conditions — that two-dimensional power-hitting is what separates IPL contributors from future India prospects. The caveat Rayudu himself flags — strike rotation and reading conditions — is the next frontier, and how Kartik addresses it in the remaining matches will determine whether this is a purple patch or the beginning of a sustained IPL career.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ambati Rayudu say about Kartik Sharma?
Rayudu said Kartik Sharma is 'turning into a complete middle-order batter,' praising his preparation against pace, his ability to read spin, and his power-hitting against both types of bowling. He made the remarks on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut show after Kartik's 71 off 42 balls against LSG.
How did Kartik Sharma perform against LSG on 16 May?
Kartik Sharma scored 71 off 42 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes, after CSK lost early wickets. His innings helped CSK reach 187/5, though LSG chased the target down with seven wickets to spare at the Ekana Stadium.
Why has Kartik Sharma improved in IPL 2025?
According to Rayudu, Kartik's improvement is linked to his positional shift — from No. 6 and No. 7 in the first half of the season to No. 4 and No. 5. The higher position has given him more balls to face and a clearer role, allowing him to express his game more freely.
Who won the CSK vs LSG match on 16 May 2025?
LSG won by seven wickets. Mitchell Marsh scored 90 and shared a 135-run opening partnership with Josh Inglis to overhaul CSK's target of 187 with comfort.
What does Rayudu say Kartik needs to improve?
Rayudu said Kartik needs to develop a better understanding of when to take singles and doubles on different pitches. He believes once Kartik masters strike rotation and situational awareness, his strike rate will improve even further.
