Chennai Super Kings’ promising youngster Kartik Sharma delivered a knock that looked well beyond his years as CSK faced Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday. The 20-year-old, bought by CSK for a franchise-record fee of Rs 14.2 crore, slammed 71 off 42—hitting six fours and five sixes—to take the LSG bowlers to task. It was his second fifty of a debut IPL campaign, following a half-century he had earlier produced against Mumbai Indians. Kartik’s approach at the crease was confident and forceful, as he struck around the ground and made the innings look controlled even while going after the bowling.
Kris Srikkanth backs Kartik — but flags areas to improve
After the match, India World Cup-winning batter Kris Srikkanth praised Kartik’s performance and suggested the innings changed his own view of the youngster’s readiness. Srikkanth shared his reaction in a video on his YouTube channel, as quoted in coverage of the game.
Srikkanth said he had been unconvinced about Kartik’s inclusion, but admitted the knock impressed him deeply. “I’ve not been pro-Kartik Sharma, but I was very impressed with this knock. He took on Prince Yadav quite a bit, knowing he’s the most dangerous bowler. Once he got set, he looked deadly. I never expected Kartik Sharma to play so well on this wicket. I thought he shouldn’t have even played this game. But he made me eat back my words,” Srikkanth said.
The former India opener also offered a specific critique of Kartik’s finishing rhythm. “The only thing is, he plays several dots after hitting a six or a four. He has to learn how to take a single after a six and give the strike to Dewald Brevis. Brevis lost momentum because he didn’t get strike in the partnership with Kartik Sharma. Though they got sixes, they allowed Shahbaz Ahmed to escape on this wicket. But CSK should have scored 200 for the way Kartik Sharma and Dewald Brevis played,” he added.
Match report: Marsh’s blitz and CSK’s chase
In the end, CSK fell short despite Kartik’s 71, as Mitchell Marsh struck 90 off 38—with nine fours and seven sixes—to help LSG win by seven wickets. Marsh’s innings ensured Lucknow completed the 188-run chase comfortably, reaching the target without the chase ever looking in danger.
-
LSG won the toss and chose to field first.
-
Akash Singh made early inroads for Lucknow, finishing with 3 for 26 and dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, and Urvil Patel to put CSK under pressure.
-
Kartik Sharma steadied the innings and, together with Dewald Brevis, put together a 70-run partnership to lift CSK out of trouble.
-
Shivam Dube provided the late acceleration, striking 32 not out off 16 as CSK reached a fighting total of 187 for 5.
-
Chasing the target, Mitchell Marsh delivered a rapid spell of batting, scoring 90 off 38 with nine fours and seven sixes.
-
LSG completed the chase of 188 successfully and won by seven wickets, with Kartik’s standout 71 unable to swing the result in CSK’s favour.
