Karthik Sharma became the joint-most expensive uncapped Indian player in IPL history when Chennai Super Kings spent Rs 14.2 crore for the youngster in the auction. With that price tag also came enormous expectations, scrutiny and pressure. But after a slow start to IPL 2026, Karthik is finally beginning to justify the faith shown in him by CSK, and former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar believes there cannot be a better franchise for the youngster to develop his game.

Karthik could only score 58 runs in his first five matches and looked like another young player struggling to adapt to the intensity and demands. IPL. Yet, unlike many franchises who quickly move on from underperforming youngsters, CSK remained patient.

The franchise not only stuck with him but also trusted him with one of the most important roles in the batting order, number 4.

That trust has started bearing fruit.

In the last two matches of Chennai Super Kings Karthik looks much more confident and calmGuided the successful target chase with unbeaten innings of 54 against Mumbai Indians and 41 against Delhi Capitals away from home.

More than the runs, it was the maturity and calmness that came through in those innings. According to Bangar, this growth is directly linked to the environment provided by CSK.

“I think he’s in the right franchise as well because it’s a franchise that will give him a lot of opportunities and he doesn’t really have to worry about his spot,” Bangar said on JioStar.

“There is a sense of security when you are part of the CSK setup, and he has developed with every game he has played.”

Bangar also talked about one technical aspect of Karthik’s batting that has impressed him.

“It’s a good thing to see that he wants to hit a lot of balls straight down the ground with the bat and he backs up his power. So for me that’s a standout trait,” he explained.

The former India batting coach believes that Karthik is still scratching the surface of his potential and fits in with the traditionally long-form CSK players.

“He is a work in progress. He is going to get even better and that is the kind of player CSK ideally wants. This has been their blueprint for many years,” Bangar said.

“Someone like him at No. 4 fits perfectly into their plans.”

For now, CSK’s patience with Karthik Sharma is starting to look like a long-term investment that may pay off on a large scale in the coming years.

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