Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is beginning to see strong returns from young talent in addition to its \u200bexperienced core in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with coach Stephen \u200cFleming encouraged by Kartik Sharma\u2019s turnaround after a \u200bslow start to the season.<\/p>\n
Kartik, 20, was \u2060signed for Rs. 14.2 Cr. ($1.5 million) at the IPL auction last year, making him the joint most-expensive uncapped Indian player, alongside \u200call-rounder Prashant Veer.<\/p>\n
But the youngster struggled early on, managing only 58 runs from his first \u200cfive matches.<\/p>\n
CSK trusted him again on Saturday, and \u200cKartik \u2060repaid that faith with an unbeaten 54 alongside \u2060captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (67 not out) to guide the side to an eight-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians while chasing 160 in 18.1 overs.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt \u200bis a big stage \u200cno matter what they\u2019ve been doing at domestic level,\u201d Fleming told reporters. \u201cThey can have all the talent in the world, but the temperament is what we\u2019re looking \u200cfor.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kartik\u2019s \u201cintroduction was tough at the start and then \u200bhe had a little bit of time out. He worked hard and today was a \u2060good reward for that… We\u2019re really pleased and proud of what he did today.\u201d<\/p>\n
CSK\u2019s management has also helped Kartik \u200ccope with the pressure of his price tag by encouraging him to spend time with former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and mental-skills coach David Reid.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe mental aspect of staying calm and understanding what the mind and body are doing is reasonably untapped in this competition,\u201d \u200cFleming said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have had one of the best in M. S. Dhoni, \u200bwho has been as calm as anyone can be in winning games. So learning from him \u2060but also understanding a little bit more of the \u2060science around it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kartik\u2019s timely return to form has eased concerns for the five-time champion, which has lost \u200c18-year-old Ayush Mhatre – its most prolific batter – to a hamstring injury.<\/p>\n
Sixth-placed CSK will next play Delhi Capitals \u200bon Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Published on May 03, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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