From the narrow lanes of Bharatpur to the grand stage of the Indian Premier League, 19-year-old Kartik Sharma’s journey is a powerful story of sacrifice, perseverance and belief. Picked by Chennai Super Kings for a staggering ₹14.20 crore at the IPL mini auction, Kartik has not only achieved a personal milestone but has also become a symbol of hope for countless young cricketers across the country.
As the news broke, celebrations swept through Bharatpur. Kartik will now don the yellow jersey and play under the leadership of MS Dhoni, a dream come true for the young batter who has spent years grinding in anonymity.
A Father’s Unwavering Sacrifice
Behind Kartik’s success lies the extraordinary struggle of his father, Manoj Sharma. Determined to keep his son’s dream alive, Manoj sold his small shop, took loans and even purchased a bowling machine so Kartik could train seriously. To sustain the family, he supplied cold drinks and water bottles and took up odd jobs, never allowing financial hardship to come in the way of his son’s cricketing ambitions.
Despite the family’s fragile economic condition, cricket was never treated as a luxury. Both father and son made sacrifices—Manoj Sharma gave private tuitions, while Kartik himself taught younger children to help cover the cost of his cricket kit and practice expenses.
Built for T20 Cricket
According to Shatrughan Tiwari, Secretary of the District Cricket Association (DCA), Kartik has always been a natural T20-format player, known for his aggressive batting approach. “Even during practice sessions, his mindset was to clear the boundary every ball,” Tiwari said. Long hours against the bowling machine became part of Kartik’s daily routine.
At home, his father arranged intense practice sessions, often throwing over 500 balls, many at speeds touching 150 kmph, to sharpen Kartik’s reflexes and power-hitting ability. Manoj Sharma’s faith never wavered—he believed his son would one day become a top-level cricketer.
Rising Through the Ranks
Kartik began his cricketing journey with the DCA in 2014. His consistent performances earned him spots in Under-14 and Under-16 teams, followed by selection as captain of the Rajasthan Under-19 side. He also represented India C, marking his arrival on the national radar. Kartik has completed his education up to Class 12, balancing studies with a demanding cricket schedule.
A Family’s Pride, A City’s Inspiration
The Sharma family lives near a petrol pump in Bharatpur’s Darapur area. Kartik’s mother, Radha Sharma, is a homemaker who stood firmly behind the family during difficult times. His two younger brothers are also progressing well—Prince is studying in Kota, while Anmol is pursuing cricket and is a rare ambidextrous bowler.
Today, Kartik Sharma’s rise from a modest household to a multi-crore IPL contract stands as a testament to resilience, parental sacrifice and relentless hard work. His story is no longer just his own—it has become an inspiration for millions of young Indians who dare to dream beyond their circumstances.
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