Wicket-keeper batter Kartik Sharma emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the IPL 2026 Auction, grabbing headlines with a stunning multi-crore deal. The 19-year-old from Rajasthan was picked up by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a whopping Rs 14.20 crore, marking a dream start to his IPL journey. Alongside him, uncapped stars Aquib Nabi Dar and Prashant Veer also attracted massive bids, underlining how franchises are increasingly betting big on domestic talent.
Kartik Sharma’s big auction moment
Kartik Sharma’s name sent shockwaves through the auction room as bidding escalated rapidly from a base price of Rs 30 lakh. Mumbai Indians opened the bidding before Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants entered an intense contest. Once the price crossed Rs 5 crore, CSK took firm control of the bidding. Despite a late attempt by Sunrisers Hyderabad to snatch him away, the five-time champions stayed committed and sealed the deal at Rs 14.20 crore.
This will be Kartik’s first IPL season. The young wicket-keeper batter impressed selectors and scouts with his fearless lower-order hitting in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In the group stage, he scored 133 runs in five matches and maintained a strike rate above 160. Though he has played only 12 T20 matches so far, his consistency and attacking intent have stood out. Kartik is now the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history.
Aquib Nabi Dar’s rise from Jammu and Kashmir
Another standout moment at the auction was the selection of Aquib Nabi Dar by Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.40 crore. The 29-year-old fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir has been making waves in domestic cricket with his pace and control. Delhi Capitals initiated the bidding, with Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru soon joining the race. As the price climbed past Rs 1 crore, Rajasthan dropped out, while RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad continued to challenge DC before the Capitals finally won the battle.
Aquib’s numbers back up the excitement around him. In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he has taken 15 wickets at an average of 13.26, including a four-wicket haul. Across 34 T20 matches, he has claimed 43 wickets at an average of 21.81. His red-ball form has been equally impressive, with 29 wickets in five Ranji Trophy matches this season, including best figures of 7/24.
Prashant Veer makes history
Uttar Pradesh all-rounder Prashant Veer created history by becoming the most expensive uncapped Indian player in IPL history, after being snapped up by CSK for Rs 14.20 crore. Several teams, including Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, were involved in a fierce bidding war. CSK stayed in till the very end, clearly seeing Veer as a long-term investment.
Veer has been a strong performer in domestic T20 cricket. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored 112 runs in six innings at an average of over 37 and a strike rate above 170. He also picked up nine wickets in seven matches, proving his value as a genuine all-rounder.