Cricket in India is more than just a sport—it’s an emotion. While the limelight often shines on star players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, there are several underrated cricketers who have contributed significantly to the game. One such player is Karn Sharma, a talented leg-spinner and a reliable all-rounder who has been part of some of India’s biggest cricketing moments.
In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into Karn Sharma’s career, his journey in domestic and international cricket, his IPL success, and why he remains an underrated yet crucial player in Indian cricket.
Early Life and Introduction to Cricket
Karn Sharma was born on October 23, 1987, in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Like many young boys in India, he was passionate about cricket from an early age. However, unlike batsmen or fast bowlers who often grab attention, Karn was drawn to leg-spin bowling, a craft that requires immense skill and patience. Karn Sharma
He started his cricketing journey in Uttar Pradesh but later shifted to Railways due to better opportunities. His consistent performances in domestic cricket earned him recognition, and soon, he became a key player for his team.
Domestic Cricket Career
Karn Sharma’s domestic career has been impressive, showcasing his ability as a wicket-taking bowler and a handy lower-order batsman.
First-Class Cricket (Ranji Trophy)
- Debuted for Railways in the 2007-08 season.
- Played a crucial role in several matches with both bat and ball.
- Known for his economical bowling and ability to break partnerships.
List-A and T20 Cricket (Vijay Hazare & Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy)
- Consistently performed in white-ball cricket, making him an attractive pick for IPL franchises.
- His ability to bowl tight spells in the middle overs and contribute quick runs made him a valuable asset.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Journey
Karn Sharma’s big breakthrough came in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he became a sought-after spinner.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (2013-2017)
- Joined SRH in 2013 and quickly became their lead spinner.
- Played a crucial role in their 2016 IPL title win, forming a strong spin duo with Bipul Sharma.
- Known for his economy rate and ability to take key wickets.
Mumbai Indians (2018-2019)
- Won his second IPL title with MI in 2019.
- Though he didn’t get many games, his experience was vital in the dressing room.
Chennai Super Kings (2020-Present)
- Joined CSK in 2020 and became part of their 2021 and 2023 IPL-winning campaigns.
- Played under MS Dhoni, learning valuable tricks about handling pressure in T20 cricket.
Despite not always being a regular starter, Karn’s contributions in crucial matches have been significant.
International Cricket Career
Karn Sharma made his international debut in 2014, but opportunities were limited due to India’s strong spin lineup (Ashwin, Jadeja, Chahal, Kuldeep).
Test Debut (vs Australia, Adelaide 2014)
- Selected for the Australia tour in 2014-15.
- Made his Test debut in Adelaide, becoming the first Indian leg-spinner to debut in Australia in 25 years.
- Though he didn’t have a dream debut, his selection itself was a testament to his skills.
T20I Career
- Played a couple of T20Is but couldn’t cement his place due to tough competition.
Despite limited chances, Karn remained a key player in domestic cricket and IPL, proving his worth whenever given opportunities.
Why is Karn Sharma Underrated?
- Played in the Era of Legendary Spinners – With Ashwin, Jadeja, Chahal, and Kuldeep dominating, Karn didn’t get many chances.
- IPL Impact Player, Not Always a Starter – Though he has 3 IPL titles, he was often a backup option.
- Silent Performer – Unlike flashy players, Karn’s contributions were subtle but effective.
Karn Sharma’s Strengths
✅ Accurate Leg-Spin – Rarely bowls loose deliveries.
✅ Handy Lower-Order Batsman – Can score quick runs when needed.
✅ Big-Match Temperament – Performed in high-pressure IPL games.
✅ Experience – Played under captains like Dhoni, Rohit, and Warner.
Future Prospects
At 36, Karn Sharma may not be in India’s future plans, but he remains a valuable mentor in domestic cricket and IPL. His experience can guide young spinners, and he might transition into coaching or commentary post-retirement.
Conclusion
Karn Sharma’s career is a story of persistence, hard work, and adaptability. While he may not have hundreds of international wickets, his contributions in domestic cricket and IPL have been immense. He is a classic example of how unsung heroes play a vital role in a team’s success.
For young cricketers, his journey is an inspiration—success isn’t always about fame; sometimes, it’s about being ready when the team needs you.
What’s Your Take on Karn Sharma’s Career?
Do you think he deserved more chances in international cricket? Let us know in the comments!