In a significant move at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi, the Gujarat Titans (GT) have successfully acquired the services of young Rajasthan fast bowler Ashok Sharma for a substantial sum of Rs 90 lakh. The bidding, which took place on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, saw a fierce contest between GT and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) before the Titans emerged victorious.
From Rajasthan's Fields to the Grand IPL Stage
Expressing his joy after the life-changing bid, Ashok Sharma told The Indian Express that the moment felt surreal. "Thank you. I’m very happy and excited. It still feels a bit unreal," he said. The pacer, who had no prior contact or trials with the Gujarat franchise, is keen to learn from seasoned campaigners. "Playing with such experienced players (Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj) will help me learn a lot and improve my game," he added. Sharma is also excited about the prospect of working under the guidance of GT's head coach, Ashish Nehra, citing the former India pacer's vast experience as a key learning opportunity.
The SMAT 2025 Dominance That Sealed the Deal
The hefty price tag is a direct reflection of Ashok Sharma's scintillating form in the domestic T20 circuit. In a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26 season dominated by batters, Sharma emerged as a standout performer with the ball. The right-arm pacer, known for his ability to consistently clock speeds around 150 kph, finished the league phase as the leading wicket-taker with 19 scalps in just seven matches. His remarkable haul included two impressive four-wicket hauls, showcasing his match-winning potential.
While this marks his potential IPL debut, Sharma is not a complete stranger to the tournament's ecosystem. He was previously picked by the Rajasthan Royals during the mega auction in 2024 and was also part of the Kolkata Knight Riders setup back in 2022, experiences that have familiarized him with the high-pressure environment.
A Journey Fueled by Family Sacrifice and Passion
Ashok Sharma's path to the IPL is a tale of determination and familial sacrifice. Hailing from Rampura village in Rajasthan's Nagaur district, his father Nathulal is a farmer who was initially hesitant about his sons pursuing cricket. His mother preferred he focus on academics to secure a government job. However, inspired by his elder brother Akshay, Ashok chose the cricket field.
A pivotal family decision ensured only one brother would pursue the sport seriously, leading Akshay to step aside. Witnessing Ashok's unwavering passion and natural athleticism, Nathulal eventually enrolled him at the Aravalli Cricket Academy in Jaipur, run by former state leg-spinner Vivek Yadav. Sharma's commitment was such that he initially undertook daily commutes of over an hour from his village before recently moving into the academy's hostel to dedicate himself fully to the game.
The acquisition of Ashok Sharma represents a strategic investment by the Gujarat Titans in raw, domestic pace talent. His express speed, proven wicket-taking ability in the SMAT, and a compelling personal narrative make him one of the most intriguing Indian picks of the IPL 2026 auction. All eyes will now be on this Rajasthan speedster as he prepares to make his mark on the world's biggest T20 league.
