Chennai Super Kings - (Source: X.com)
In a significant development, Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) latest buy, Kartik Sharma, has suffered an injury with nearly a month left for IPL 2026. Notably, the 19-year-old, who bagged 14.20 crore at the auction, picked up a back injury during local tournament in Rajasthan.
Notably, Kartik Sharma was batting brilliantly on 39 (14), which is when on the 4th ball of the 9th over, he stopped Vipraj Nigam and laid on the pitch in pain holding his back. The physios rushed to attend the right-handed batter, who most likely suffered a sprain.
The clip of Kartik's injury is circulating on social media, but the seriousness of the injury is not concerned. Since it was a local tournament, there is no confirmation whether Kartik returned to the pavilion or continued batting after treatment.
CSK Sweat In Panic Over Kartik Sharma's Injury
Irrespective of the nature of Kartik's injury, Chennai Super Kings are sweating hard because IPL 2026 is just a month away. Notably, for the upcoming edition, the five time winners made a major overhaul to their strategies.
For IPL 2026, CSK put their money on rising domestic stars. The Men in Yellow roped in Kartik Sharma for 14.20 crores and also availed Prashant Veer's services at 14.20 crores.
Now since Ravindra Jadeja has left for RR, CSK are looking at Prashant Veer as the next Jadeja and Kartik as next MS Dhoni. However, at present, they are worried over their rising star's fitness.
Talking about Sharma's stats, the right-handed keeper-batter scored 133 runs in SMAT 2025, averaging 26.60. Dating back, Sharma shone in Ranji Trophy, where he slammed 331 runs in six innings.
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Prashant Veer Too Struggling With Injury Concerns
As mentioned above, Chennai Super Kings have placed heavy bets on youngsters for the upcoming season. Now, Kartik Sharma has joined Prashant Veer in the injured list, who too is struggling with his fitness.
For the unversed, CSK's 14.20 crore buy suffered a grade 2 shoulder tear during Uttar Pradesh vs Jharkhand Ranji Trophy match in January. He was most likely to be out for four weeks, and has not played a single game of cricket since his injury.
CSK To Begin IPL 2026 Training Camp From February 27
IPL 2026 is all set to begin from March 26 and the Kings have slightly over a month to look after their newly recruited players and their fitness. Notably, the five-time winners are set to hold a 10-day training camp starting from February 27.
Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, and the legendary MS Dhoni are all expected to be part of the 10-day camp at the CSK High-Performance Centre in Navalur.
“It is at the High Performance Centre. We are planning for about 10 days. Indian players, whoever is available, are coming. Dhoni is also participating. Usual practice,” CSK CEO he said over a phone call to Sportstar.
Notably, Chennai Super Kings finished 10th in IPL 2025, their worst-ever finish in the history of the cash-studded league.
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