Kartik Sharma set for Rajasthan Ranji Trophy captaincy debut armed with MS Dhoni advice

Rajasthan youngster steps up as Suthar departs

Jaipur: Kartik Sharma, the 20-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Bharatpur district, is in line to lead Rajasthan for the first time in the Ranji Trophy on the eve of their Group D clash against Railways.

The promotion comes after left-arm spinner Manav Suthar’s departure to New Zealand for India A duty. Rajasthan enter the Railways game on the back of three points from a first-innings lead in their opener against Tamil Nadu in Group D.

Sharma announced himself on red-ball debut two seasons ago with a blistering 115 off 113 balls against Uttarakhand in Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Last year his explosive six-hitting in pre-season trials attracted IPL attention and he signed for Chennai Super Kings for Rs 14.20 crore.

Captaincy approach and Dhoni influence

Speaking ahead of the Railways fixture, Sharma said he has captained Rajasthan at Under-19 level and wants to keep the dressing room comfortable.

"I have captained Rajasthan during Under-19 days. I will try to make the team as comfortable as I can. There are a few seniors while most of them are my contemporaries in the side, so I will ensure I remain as humble with them as possible," he said.

Sharma showed a more measured side with a gritty 42 off 75 balls in the second innings against Tamil Nadu. He credits his CSK stint for sharpening match awareness and patience.

A key piece of advice from MS Dhoni has shifted his method from brute force to timing and technical precision.

"When I went to Chennai I was a little injured and that is why my batting wasn't going very well. Bhaiya told me to focus on timing. He said that you aren't someone who hits power shots, whatever your timing is, that is your power, so play according to that," he shared.

"Six-hitting is definitely there, but I am also working on grounded shots and doing my practice for that," Sharma added.

Young squad, positive mindset

Addressing a decidedly youthful dressing room, Sharma sees it as a strength.

"Nothing negative, just the positive is that all are young boys, young blood, so everyone plays together," he stated.

Rajasthan hold a psychological edge from their previous outing, while Railways arrive looking to bounce back after conceding a first-innings lead to Uttarakhand. Sharma’s overarching target is simple.

"The target is to win as many matches as possible," he concluded.