Failed gamble?! CSK's ₹14.2cr signing flops again

• CSK's Kartik Sharma, bought for ₹14.2 crore, scored just 1 run vs Punjab.
• The 19-year-old's debut season follows a low score after a promising start vs Royals.
• CSK faltered after Ayush Mhatre’s 73 runs; team at 148/4 in the 16th over.

Chennai Super Kings youngster Kartik Sharma, who was a new signing ahead of the IPL 2026 season, was unable to showcase his talent in the ongoing match

against Punjab Kings on Friday (April 3).

Kartik, who was bought by CSK for a whopping Rs 14.2 crore in the mini auction, departed only after scoring 1 run against Punjab.

He came in to the crease at 123 for 3, but departed soon. His brief stay of 3 balls was ended by South African Marco Jansen, who caught him in front of the wickets LBW, thus ending his innings.

Sharma, the 19-year-old, has come to IPL with a lot of promise in domestic circuit. Playing for Rajasthan, he played a few magnificent knocks, and his six-hitting ability raised him to prominence and made him an attraction in the auction.

Kartik Sharma unable to Score Big for CSK

Kartik made his debut in the last match against the Rajasthan Royals, where he scored 18 runs off 15 deliveries. He made a promising start but failed to convert it into a big score. And against PBKS, another low score may put pressure on the young shoulders. Although time is by his side, and his talent is immense, the CSK youngster would be aiming to make use of his upcoming opportunities.

CSK falter after Ayush Mhatre's knock

Chennai Super Kings lost Sanju Samson early after put into bat, but Ayush Mhatre came in and played a stellar knock. The young Mumbai player scored 73 runs off just 43 balls, with 6 fours and 5 sixes. Since his dismissal, CSK have failed to keep their scoring rate and are 148/4 in the 16th over. Shivam Dube bats on a run a ball 14, while Sarfaraz Khan bats on 13 off 6 deliveries.