Chennai Super Kings are feeling encouraged by the rise of 20-year-old Kartik Sharma, whose unbeaten fifty helped them deliver a convincing win over Mumbai Indians at Chepauk. The right-handed batter’s IPL journey has had its share of early bumps, but the way he finished the chase under pressure has underlined how quickly he can adapt to the demands of the league.
Quick facts
- CSK coach Stephen Fleming praised Kartik Sharma’s temperament after his unbeaten half-century versus Mumbai Indians at Chepauk.
- Kartik made 18 off 15 balls on IPL debut after being inserted at No. 6.
- After low scores versus Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kartik was dropped from the team.
- Against MI, Kartik was used as an impact player ahead of Sarfaraz Khan.
- In December 2025, CSK bought Kartik for INR 14.2 crore in the IPL auction, making him the joint-most expensive uncapped Indian.
- CSK’s support includes time with MS Dhoni and David Reid, a mental-skills coach with experience in the Big Bash League and AFL.
Fleming, speaking on Saturday after CSK thrashed MI, explained that bringing young players into IPL cricket is not just about talent. In his view, it’s equally about how they handle the step-up in intensity, the pressures of a packed stadium, and the mental adjustments required to perform on a “big stage”.
“You have the young players, there are two parts to it,” Fleming said. He noted that understanding a youngster’s mindset matters because even the most gifted players need the right temperament, especially when their early introduction is difficult. Fleming pointed out that Kartik’s entry into the tournament started tough, then he had a period of time away, and returned with renewed hard work.
Fleming added that Kartik’s auction price reflected how others valued him, but the match at Chepauk showed more than raw ability. The coach described it as a strong blend of skill and composure, calling it a “nice spot” for him—specifically No. 4 in the batting order—and said the timing of his breakthrough was right.
From a tough debut to a statement knock
On his IPL debut, Kartik was thrust into a challenging spell of batting that Fleming compared to the kind of testing session seen in Test cricket. The debut came on a Guwahati pitch that had spent a significant amount of time under covers, with the game demanding patience and shot selection. Batting at No. 6, Kartik managed 18 runs off 15 balls.
After that outing, he struggled to convert starts against Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, registering lower scores in both matches. As a result, Kartik was dropped from the playing XI.
However, CSK brought him back in a more impactful role on Saturday against MI, naming him as an impact player ahead of Sarfaraz Khan. Kartik showed flashes of his full repertoire, particularly against spin, and made the most of his opportunities as the innings moved into the finish.
He took on AM Ghazanfar, the “mystery spinner” for MI, advancing to him and driving the ball over midwicket for six. Kartik then helped close out CSK’s chase of 160 with a memorable reverse-scoop off Trent Boult—an aggressive, improvised shot that captured the control he had built into his batting.
Fleming also linked the current performance to progress from last season. He said Kartik looked like a player who was growing, having trained with CSK’s wider group as an unofficial member during that period.
“Well, he was pretty good last year,” Fleming said, outlining how development is measured at higher levels. He explained that the task is to gauge how much the skill rises as the competition level increases—from domestic cricket to IPL—and acknowledged that some parts are harder to judge directly, while video can reveal more on technical execution.
Still, Fleming returned to temperament as the key difference-maker. Performing under IPL pressure is unique, and he said CSK believed Kartik was close to being ready after watching him during trials and in his form leading into the auction. Fleming stressed that Kartik has worked hard, but also noted there were specific areas he still needs to refine as he continues his journey.
Price-tag pressure and mental skills support
In December 2025, CSK spent INR 14.2 crore to secure Kartik Sharma, making him the joint-most expensive uncapped Indian player at an IPL auction. With that kind of valuation comes additional scrutiny, and the franchise’s management is actively working on helping him handle the weight of expectations.
Fleming said CSK has supported him by scheduling time with MS Dhoni and with David Reid, a mental-skills coach. Reid has previously worked with Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League and Essendon Football Club in the AFL, and CSK believes that expertise can help Kartik manage big-match nerves.
“The mental aspect is really important,” Fleming said. He described IPL nights as a “cauldron” environment—where a crowd can range from 35,000 to 50,000 and even up to 100,000 people—making it essential for players to stay calm and understand how their mind and body are functioning during high-pressure moments.
Fleming argued that mental discipline is still relatively underdeveloped in the competition, despite its importance. He pointed to Dhoni as a reference point, praising his ability to remain composed in winning situations, and said the goal is to learn from that experience while also applying more structured thinking around performance psychology.
CSK also runs a young players’ programme designed to introduce specific mental skills, including breathing techniques, that can help players show up in matches. Fleming noted that youngsters are often very good at hitting the ball in the nets, but learning to manage nerves, anxiety, and the fear of failure is just as crucial—especially for players carrying a price tag.
He concluded that the duty of care has to extend beyond talent alone. For CSK, ensuring players have mental health support and practical coping skills is a fundamental part of their development pathway in the IPL.
