Kartik Sharma becomes the most expensive Indian keeper in IPL Mini Auction 2026 going for 14.2 Crore to CSK. It was a bidding war for the youngster. He will be playing for CSK next season. Kartik Sharma a young wicket-keeper batter is known for his big-hitting ability, has made a mark as a lower-order batter and finisher.
With a strike rate of 164, he has hit 28 sixes and scored 334 runs in 12 T20 matches. His explosive performances were crucial in Rajasthan’s success in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
About IPL 2026 Mini Auction
A total of 359 players – 246 Indians and 113 overseas players will be part of the IPL 2026 auction pool with the 10 franchises bidding to fill up a maximum of 77 slots, including 31 reserved for foreign players. As per the IPL rules, each team can register a maximum squad size of 25. The number of overseas players is eight. The IPL 2026 auction will also introduce a salary cap for overseas players. The maximum fee payable will be the lower of two figures – the highest retention price (₹18 crore) or the highest bid from the previous mega auction. In a mini-auction defined by scarcity, franchises will pay not for reputation, but for fit and those holding the purse strings know it. The Indian Premier League 2026 will start on March 26 and go on till May 31. There will be 74 matches for this season
