The IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi saw franchises showering money on Rajasthan's cricketers, with young wicketkeeper Kartik Sharma fetching a record bid. A total of five players from Rajasthan attracted bids worth crores, highlighting the talent emerging from the state.
Kartik Sharma, a 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman from Bharatpur, became the most expensive uncapped player in IPL history after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bought him for ₹14.20 crore. His base price was ₹30 lakh. Sharma's ability to hit big shots and his stellar performance in the Under-19s caught the attention of many. He scored a century in his debut Ranji Trophy match, further solidifying his reputation. He is also the joint-highest six hitter in the Ranji Trophy, having hit 16 sixes in five matches, and 11 sixes in five Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy games. According to Kartik's coach, Anshu Jain, Kartik's reputation as a young stroke player preceded him. Jain recalled administrators mentioning Kartik's impressive double and triple hundreds in U-19 cricket when Jain became the Rajasthan Ranji coach.
Kartik’s father quit his job to support his son's dream. The intense bidding war for Kartik involved multiple teams, including Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders. Eventually, CSK and Sunrisers Hyderabad battled it out, with CSK securing the deal.
Besides Kartik Sharma, other Rajasthan cricketers also secured lucrative deals. Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, from Jodhpur, was bought by Rajasthan Royals for ₹7.20 crore. Bishnoi has represented India in 1 ODI and 42 T20s. Rahul Chahar, a leg-spinner who plays for Rajasthan, was bought by Chennai Super Kings for ₹5.20 crore. Mukul Choudhary was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹2.60 crore, while Ashok Sharma was bought by Gujarat Titans for ₹90 lakh. Kartik Tyagi was sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for his base price of ₹30 lakh. Sushant Mishra was picked up by Rajasthan Royals for ₹90 lakh. Yash Raj Punja and Vignesh Puthur were sold to Rajasthan Royals for ₹30 lakh each.
This year, both Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer broke the record for the most expensive uncapped player in IPL auction history, both being bought for ₹14.2 crore each. The previous record was held by Avesh Khan, who was bought for ₹10 crore in 2023.
Several teams filled their squads at the IPL 2026 auction. Kolkata Knight Riders acquired Cameron Green for ₹25.20 crore and Matheesha Pathirana for ₹18 crore. Rishabh Pant was signed by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore.
