IPL 2026: Ravichandran Ashwin names uncapped youngster CSK should target in the mini-auction

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Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has named a young wicketkeeper-batter as a potential target for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction. The player in question has generated significant attention due to his explosive middle-order batting and impressive recent performances in domestic cricket.

Ashwin suggested that CSK, having recently released several players, might view Kartik Sharma as an important investment for the future, especially given his prior experience in the CSK camp. This focus on a baggage-free power-hitter reflects the team’s need to rebuild their domestic core. The young talent’s excellent statistics across formats make him a highly attractive prospect for franchises. Ashwin’s assessment focused on the significant value that Kartik’s specialized skills bring, especially as a power-hitter in the challenging middle order of T20 cricket.

Ashwin confirmed his high opinion of the young Rajasthan player, stating: “Kartik Sharma is young and baggage-free. He is a power hitter in the middle order. You can say that you can bank on his talent.” Ashwin contrasted this difficult role with the opportunities afforded to top-order batter like Ayush Mhatre, who, despite performing well for CSK last year, played in the easier top-order slot.

Ashwin stressed the inherent difficulty of the finisher’s job, noting: “But Ayush Mhatre performed well last year, but let’s not forget, he plays in the top order. It is easier to bat there but for a youngster to come in and create impact in the middle order in T20 cricket is not easy.” This difficulty, combined with the expectations for new talent to be groomed, makes Sharma’s profile highly desirable. Referring to a recently released player, Ashwin concluded by stating: “I did not expect them to leave Vansh Bedi. They might definitely have an eye on Kartik Sharma now.”

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Kartik’s cricket profile is defined by his aggressive style as a wicketkeeper-batter, backed by stellar recent statistics across formats. In the T20 format, he has already recorded 201 runs in six innings across seven T20s, maintaining a strong average of 33.50 and a fiery strike rate of 164.75. This power-hitting capability is further demonstrated by his record of 16 sixes in just six innings during the Ranji Trophy, a competition where he recently scored a century against Mumbai.

The 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter 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 ongoing 2025-26 season, he has smashed two centuries, including a debut hundred in the 2024-25 season where he scored 113 off just 114 balls against Uttarakhand.

His recent form includes a spectacular century (139 off 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 features a strike rate exceeding 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.

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