Chennai Super Kings (CSK) handed debuts to four players in their first IPL 2026 match against Rajasthan Royals on Monday. Ruturaj Gaikwad confirmed that Kartik Sharma, Matt Henry, Matt Short and Sanju Samson would feature in the playing XI.
Sharma’s Short Innings
Kartik Sharma came in to bat at number six in the sixth over. He was out Lbw by Brijesh Sharma for 18 runs off 15 balls. Brijesh Sharma was also making his IPL debut.
Samson was bowled by Nandre Burger while attempting a leg-side flick. The delivery moved away and hit the off stump as he departed for 6 off 7 balls. Short also fell early, with Sandeep Sharma having him caught at midwicket by Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Sharma’s Journey to the IPL
Kartik’s journey into the IPL has roots in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. His father, Manoj Kumar, pushed him towards the sport. Lokendra Singh Chahar said that Kartik wanted to be known as a six-hitter.
A wicketkeeper-batter known for hitting sixes, Kartik became the joint-most expensive uncapped Indian player at an IPL auction when CSK signed him for ₹14.2 crore.
- He was the joint-highest six-hitter in the first phase of the 2025-26 Ranji season.
- He was the top six-hitter in the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy.
- He finished the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season as the joint third-highest six-hitter.
After being part of CSK’s wider squad in IPL 2025, he earned a place in the main squad for IPL 2026.
Royals Win the Toss and Bowl
Rajasthan Royals won the toss and chose to bowl first. Captain Riyan Parag said the decision was due to wet conditions after recent rain.
At the time of writing, CSK were 74 for 7 in 11 overs.