A franchise that is typically recognized for recruiting seasoned players and triumphant performers, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) took the opposite direction and spent a fortune to secure uncapped players in the current Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) auction. Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer made history as the five-time victors paid an incredible INR 14.2 crores each for the two kids.
Midway through last season, CSK had already begun to change their focus by relying on youngsters, and their latest bids only reflected the newly acquired philosophy that the franchise has embraced. However, despite the high-profile bidding and the change in culture, the talented wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma will still have to grapple with the fact that he will not make it to the CSK Best XI for the next season.
Why Kartik Sharma is not likely to be in CSK Playing XI for IPL 2026?
Taking into account Kartik’s explosive hitting skills, he was predominantly brought in to solve the problem of finishing and also to deepen the position while at the same time being trained as a potential replacement for MS Dhoni in the future, who is at the end of his career.
Nonetheless, CSK has four wicketkeepers lined up for next season – MS Dhoni, Sanju Samson, Urvil Patel, and Kartik Sharma – which greatly reduces the newcomer’s chances of getting into the CSK Playing XI.
The problem with MS Dhoni’s knee raises doubts about his precise function next season. He had demoted himself to as low as No. 8 in IPL 2025 and came out to bat only at the death with a handful of deliveries left. However, with Dhoni already having committed to playing IPL 2026, there is a possibility that he might be used as an Impact player by CSK.
On the flip side, CSK has also brought in the previous captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR) Sanju Samson, who is undoubtedly a starter and will most likely play the role of the team’s wicketkeeper in IPL 2026.
Eventually, the decision is between Urvil Patel & Kartik Sharma as a batter if there’s a place for it. If so, Urvil might be the one trusted because he has shown his skills for the last season while Kartik Sharma is still being tested.
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