'I’ll learn a lot from Mahi sir,' - Kartik Sharma opens up after being picked by CSK for IPL 2026

Overview

• Kartik Sharma expressed his emotions after being picked up for a record sum for the IPL 2026
• The wicketkeeper batter was in CSK's camp in the IPL 2025 albeit not registering his name for the auction
• He became the joint-most expensive uncapped player in the history of IPL, as CSK picked him for a whopping INR 14.2 crores

Kartik Sharma expressed his emotions after being picked up for a record sum for the IPL 2026. The wicketkeeper batter was in CSK's camp in the IPL 2025 albeit not registering his name for the auction. He became the joint-most expensive uncapped player in the history of IPL, as CSK picked him for a whopping INR 14.2 crores.

Along with Prashant Veer, Kartik became the joint-most expensive uncapped player in the history of IPL. Both youngsters were picked by CSK for the IPL 2026. The 5-time champions seem to have a clear strategy of investing in younger players, given five of their major players are aged less than 23.

Also Read: IPL 2026: GT, LSG, and SRH's full squad, players, and auction picks

Kartik is one of the youngest players to have registered for the auctions. He was a part of CSK during the IPL 2025 and worked in the nets with the 5-time champions. It came as no surprise when CSK bid for him. However, his and Veer's auction price shocked many, as the duo broke the bank to become the joint-most expensive uncapped players in the history of IPL.

"I’m really excited to play with MS Dhoni," - Kartik Sharma

Speaking about it, Kartik claimed he started to cry when his came up, fearing he might go unsold. He noted that everyone danced around him when CSK picked him. Sharma expressed him excitement to play alongside MS Dhoni and hoped to learn a lot from him.

Also Check: IPL 2026: RR, PBKS, and DC's full squad, players, and auction picks

"When my bidding started, I was crying, afraid that I might go unsold. And when I was picked and CSK bought me, everyone was dancing, but even then, I couldn’t stop crying. I’m really excited to play with MS Dhoni. I’ll learn a lot from Mahi sir," Kartik said.