Former Indian coach reveals why Chennai Super Kings is the right franchise for Kartik Sharma

Young Kartik Sharma has been turning heads with his batting performances in the IPL 2026. The 20-year-old was snapped up by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for INR 14.2 crore during the auctions held last year. In the last two games, the youngster batting at number four has managed to score 99 runs without being dismissed.

Former Indian coach Sanjay Bangar lauded the batter after his unbeaten knock of 41 against Delhi Capitals on Tuesday night. Reviewing the game on JioHotstar, the 51-year-old said, “He (Kartik) is in the right franchise, because he will get a lot of chances and he won’t have to worry about his spot in the team. They give you the security needed, and his performances have grown with each passing game.”

Bangar also added, “It’s great to see him play with a straight bat and hit down the ground. The best feature for me when I see the youngster bat is that he is backing his strength. Chennai always wants such players, who they can develop, and this is something they have been known for a long time.”

Chennai’s new sensation turning heads with bat in hand

Having made his IPL debut against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sharma managed to score just 18 runs with the bat. The next four games saw the right-hander manage to score just 40 runs, but the move to bat at number four paid rich dividends.

His first fifty in the league came against Mumbai Indians (MI), which helped his side win the game by eight wickets. On Tuesday, the batter scored 41 not out and added 114 runs for the third wicket with Sanju Samson to pull off yet another run-chase with ease.

Former champions peaking at the right time

Three losses in the first three games of the season had left Chennai at the bottom of the table. Ruturaj Gaikwad then saw his side pick up their form at the right time by winning five out of the next seven matches. Five-time IPL winners now have 10 points in their kitty with four games left to play in the league phase.

After the win over the Capitals, skipper Ruturaj was asked to comment on his number four batter’s form. The 29-year-old praised the youngster and said, “He has got the required skill sets, but what he needed was time in the middle. He isn’t the kind of player who slogs every ball, and rotates the strike well.”