Long before bright stadium lights and auction paddles changed his life, Kartik Sharma’s world was filled with struggle, uncertainty and quiet sacrifices. Today, he is being celebrated as the newest sensation of the Indian Premier League, but his journey to the big stage is far more powerful than the price tag attached to his name. Picked for a staggering Rs 14.20 crore at the IPL auction, Kartik’s rise is a story built on resilience, faith and years of hardship.
After the auction, Kartik Sharma returned to his hometown of Bharatpur with his parents, where emotions ran high. At a local gathering in Khirni Ghat, community members and officials from the district cricket association came together to honour the young cricketer. For the people of Bharatpur, his success felt personal, a victory that belonged to everyone who had watched him grow.
Behind Kartik Sharma’s breakthrough lies the unwavering determination of his parents. His father Manoj Sharma earns a modest living but never allowed financial limitations to define his son’s future. With limited income and endless expenses, the family made painful choices. They sold land and plots in their village to fund Kartik’s training and tournaments. His mother quietly gave up her jewellery so her son could continue chasing his dream. Those sacrifices, made without complaint, kept Kartik’s journey alive when giving up would have been easier.
One tournament in Gwalior stands out as a turning point. Manoj travelled with Kartik, believing they could afford to stay only a few days. But Kartik kept performing, match after match, taking his team all the way to the final. With no money left for food or accommodation, father and son spent nights in a shelter and even went to bed hungry. It was only after Kartik’s team won the final and received prize money that they were able to return home.
Kartik’s talent showed itself early. As a toddler, he picked up a bat and struck the ball with such force that it shattered two photo frames at home. That moment sparked belief in his parents that something special was unfolding. For Manoj, it was deeply personal. He had once dreamed of being a cricketer himself but injury ended his career early. Determined not to let that dream d*e, he poured everything into helping his son succeed.
Years of domestic performances eventually opened the doors to the IPL. Despite the sudden fame and wealth, Kartik remains grounded. He has just completed his class 12 education and plans to continue his studies alongside cricket. His younger brother follows cricket, while his middle brother focuses on academics, reflecting the family’s emphasis on balance and discipline.
Kartik Sharma’s journey is now a beacon of hope. From sleeping hungry in night shelters to becoming one of the IPL’s most expensive buys, his story proves that dreams don’t come true overnight, they are earned through sacrifice, belief and relentless hard work.
