Chennai Super Kings gave debut to four players in their first IPL 2026 match against Rajasthan Royals On Monday, captain Rituraj Gaikwad confirmed at the toss that Sanju Samson, Karthik Sharma, Matt Henry and Matt Short will be in the playing XI.However, Samson and Short failed to make an impact in their first outings for CSK. Samson was bowled by Nandre Berger while attempting a legside flick. The delivery, clocked at 140.2 kmph, hit the off-stump as he departed for 6 off 7 balls.Short also fell early, with Sandeep Sharma caught at midwicket by Yashvi Jaiswal.With wickets falling from the top, Karthik Sharma came in to bat at number six in the sixth over. Karthik Sharma also failed to make his IPL debut as he was dismissed LBW. Another IPL debutant, Brijesh Sharma. Karthik was dismissed for 18 runs off 15 balls.
Who is Karthik Sharma?
Karthik’s journey in the IPL has its roots in his early years in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. His father Manoj Kumar himself wanted to become a cricketer and pushed his son towards the sport. “He was five years old, had a plastic bat in his hands, and his words were: ‘Sir, Chuke marne wala cricketer bana hai’ (I want to be known as a sixer),” said Lokinder Singh Chahar, who has trained his son Deepak Chahar and nephew Rahul Chahar. Told before TimesofIndia.comA wicketkeeper-batsman known for hitting sixes, Karthik became the joint-most expensive uncapped Indian player in an IPL auction when CSK signed him for Rs 14.2 crore.He was the joint-highest six-scorer in the first leg of the 2025–26 Ranji season and the highest six-scorer in the 2024–25 Vijay Hazare Trophy. He also finished the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season as the joint third highest six-scorer. After being a part of CSK’s extensive squad in IPL 2025, he earned a place in the main squad for IPL 2026.In the match, Rajasthan Royals won the toss and decided to bowl first. Captain Ryan Prague said the decision was made due to the wet conditions after the recent rains.At the time of writing, CSK were 74 for 7 in 11 overs.
