IPL 2026: Ravichandran Ashwin names the uncapped youngster CSK should target in the mini-auction
Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has named a young wicketkeeper-batter as a potential target for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the next Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction. The player in question has garnered considerable attention due to his explosive middle-order batting and recent impressive performances in domestic cricket.
Ravichandran Ashwin picks young uncapped talents for CSK to pursue in IPL 2026 auction
Ashwin suggested that CSK, having recently released several players, could see Kartik Sharma as an important investment for the future, especially considering his previous experience in the CSK camp. This focus on a baggage-free power hitter reflects the team’s need to rebuild its domestic core. The young talent’s excellent statistics across all formats make him a very attractive prospect for franchises. Ashwin’s assessment focused on the significant value that Kartik’s specialist skills bring, particularly as a power hitter in the tough middle order of T20 cricket.
Ashwin confirmed his high opinion of the young Rajasthan player, saying: “Kartik Sharma is young and has no baggage. He is a power hitter in the middle order. You can say you can bank on his talent.” Ashwin compared this challenging role to the opportunities afforded to top-order batters like Ayush Mhatrewho, despite performing well for CSK last year, played in the easiest opening slot.
Ashwin highlighted the difficulty inherent in the paver’s work, noting: “But Ayush Mhatre performed well last year, but let’s not forget that he plays in the top order. It is easier to bat there, but for a youngster to come in and create an impact in the middle order in T20 cricket is not easy.” This difficulty, combined with expectations for nurturing new talent, makes Sharma’s profile highly desirable. Referring to a recently released player, Ashwin concluded by saying: “I didn’t expect them to move on from Vansh Bedi. They could definitely have their eye on Kartik Sharma now.”
Also READ: IPL 2026: Why did CSK release Matheesha Pathirana? CEO Kasi Viswanathan breaks silence on high-profile decision
Impressive form and prior interest from CSK
Kartik’s cricket profile is defined by his aggressive wicketkeeper-batsman style, backed by stellar recent statistics across all formats. In the T20 format, he has already recorded 201 runs in six innings of seven T20s, maintaining a solid average of 33.50 and a spirited strike rate of 164.75. This powerful hitting ability is also demonstrated by his record 16 sixes in just six innings during the Ranji Trophy, a competition where he recently scored a century against Mumbai.
19-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Kartik has been a standout performer for Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy, confirming his ability to transition his power hitting to the first-class format. In the current 2025-26 season, he smashed two centuries, including a maiden hundred in the 2024-25 season where he scored 113 off just 114 balls against Uttarakhand.
His recent form includes a spectacular century (139 from 192) against Mumbai and a massive score of 120 (154) against Delhi in November 2025. Demonstrating an aggressive mindset even in the longest format, his overall Ranji career boasts a strike rate above 76.80 and an average of 55.17 after six innings in the 2025-26 edition, making him one of the most exciting young batters to watch out for.
ALSO READ: Mohammad Kaif picks two bowlers CSK can target in IPL 2026 mini-auction
