experienced spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has named a young wicketkeeper-batsman as a possible target Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction. The player in question has attracted a lot of attention due to his explosive middle-order batting and impressive recent performances in domestic cricket.
Ravichandran Ashwin picks uncapped young talent for CSK in IPL 2026 auction
Ashwin suggested that CSK, which has released several players recently, may consider Karthik Sharma As an important investment for the future, especially given his prior experience in the CSK camp. This focus on baggage-free power-hitters reflects the team’s need to rebuild its homegrown core. The young talent’s excellent stats across all formats make him a highly attractive prospect for the franchise. Ashwin’s assessment focuses on the significant value that Karthik brings to the table, especially as a power-hitter in the challenging middle order of T20 cricket.
Ashwin confirmed his high opinion of the Rajasthan youngster, saying: “Karthik Sharma is young and unencumbered. He is a power hitter in the middle order. You can say you can trust his talent.” Ashwin compared this difficult role with the opportunities given to top-order batsmen Ayush MhatreWho, despite performing well for CSK last year, played in an easy top-order spot.
Ashwin emphasized the inherent difficulty of the finisher’s job, saying: “But Ayush Mhatre did well last year, but we should not forget that, he plays at the top of the order. It is easy to bat there but it is not easy for a young player to come into the middle order in T20 cricket and make an impact.” This difficulty, coupled with the expectations of grooming new talent, makes Sharma’s profile highly desirable. Referring to a recently released player, Ashwin concluded by saying: “I didn’t expect that they would drop Vansh Bedi. Now their eyes will definitely be on Kartik Sharma.”
Impressive form and CSK’s prior interest
Karthik’s cricket profile is defined by his aggressive style as a wicketkeeper-batsman, backed by impressive recent statistics across all formats. In the T20 format, he has already scored 201 runs in six innings of seven T20s while maintaining a strong average of 33.50 and a tremendous strike rate of 164.75. This power-hitting ability is 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.
19-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Karthik has been an excellent performer for Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy, confirming his ability to translate his power-hitting into the first-class format. In the current 2025-26 season, he has scored two centuries, including the first in the 2024-25 season where he scored 113 runs off just 114 balls against Uttarakhand.
His recent form includes a brilliant century (139 runs off 192 balls) Mumbai And a huge score of 120 (154) Delhi In November 2025. Displaying an aggressive mindset even in the longest format, his overall Ranji career has a strike rate of over 76.80 and an average of 55.17 after six innings in the 2025-26 edition, making him one of the most exciting young batsmen to watch.
Also read: Mohammad Kaif picks two bowlers whom CSK can target in IPL 2026 mini auction
