Mother Sold Jewellery, Father Slept Hungry: Inside CSK's Rs 14.20 Crore Star Kartik Sharma's Journey To IPL

Kartik Sharma's recent splash in the Indian Premier League is more than just a sports victory; it's a testament to perseverance and family dedication. Selected for a staggering Rs 14.20 crore in Tuesday's auction, Kartik's journey contrasts sharply with a past marked by financial hardship, including nights spent in shelters due to lack of funds.

Following his IPL selection, Kartik, accompanied by his parents, returned to his hometown of Bharatpur, where he received a heartfelt welcome at Agarwal Dharamshala, Khirni Ghat. Local dignitaries and members of the Bharatpur District Cricket Association (BDCA) gathered to celebrate the young cricketer, whose achievement has brought considerable pride to the district.

Kartik's father, Manoj Sharma, a man of modest means, recounted the difficulties overcome to support his son's ambitions. "Our income was limited, but my wife, Radha, and I shared a common dream: to see Kartik become a cricketer, regardless of the sacrifices required," he told IANS.

To finance Kartik's training and participation in tournaments, the family made significant sacrifices, including selling plots of land and farmland in their village of Bahnera. Radha, Kartik's mother, also sold her jewellery, transforming personal sacrifice into unwavering support. "It was a tough period in our lives, but we were determined not to let Kartik's dream fade," Manoj added.

A particularly challenging episode occurred during a tournament in Gwalior. Manoj accompanied Kartik, anticipating a short stay of four or five matches due to limited funds. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. Kartik's outstanding performance propelled the team to the final. With no money remaining, father and son were forced to seek shelter for the night. "There was even a day when we had to go to sleep hungry," Manoj recalled. They were only able to return home after winning the final and receiving the prize money.

Kartik's talent for cricket became apparent at a very young age. At just two and a half years old, he picked up a bat and struck a ball with such force that he broke two photo frames in their home. "That was the moment we knew he had something special," his father said.

Manoj himself had once aspired to be a cricketer, but an injury cut short his playing career. "I couldn't fulfill my own dream, so I resolved that my child would," he explained – a dream that has now been realized beyond his wildest expectations.

Despite his early promise, Kartik's path was not without obstacles. He played at the Under-14 and Under-16 levels but then faced a four-year period without selection. Many would have given up, but Kartik persisted.

"I simply kept playing," Kartik told IANS. "My father continued to train me. Eventually, I was selected for the Under-19 team, and then the Ranji Trophy." His impressive performances at the domestic level ultimately paved the way for his entry into the IPL. Despite his newfound fame, Kartik remains humble. He completed Class 12 this year and plans to continue his education alongside his cricket career. "My studies are important to me," he said.

His youngest brother also plays cricket, while his middle brother is focused on his studies, reflecting the family's emphasis on discipline and a balanced approach to life. Kartik's story now serves as an inspiration to countless young athletes from small towns and disadvantaged backgrounds. The family's sacrifices, from selling land and jewellery to enduring hunger, have culminated in a moment that has transformed their lives.