Karn Sharma, born on October 23, 1987, in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, is one of Indian cricket’s most quietly consistent performers. A left-handed batsman and a right-arm leg break bowler, Karn’s journey through domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been nothing short of inspiring.

Often under the radar, he has played vital roles in both domestic matches and franchise leagues, particularly the IPL, where his presence has been linked with multiple championship-winning teams.
Early Life and Background
Born and raised in Meerut, Karn Sharma’s cricketing passion developed early. His parents, Vinod and Poonam Sharma, supported his ambitions from the early years.
Karn’s humble upbringing and disciplined approach to the sport have helped him remain grounded despite his achievements.
He made his early mark playing for the Railways team in domestic cricket, showcasing both skill and determination.
Karn is married to Nidhi Sharma, and the couple is blessed with a daughter. Off the field, he maintains a private life, valuing time with family and staying out of the media limelight.
Personal Details & Biography
Full Name | Karn Vinod Sharma |
Nickname | – |
Date of Birth (Birthday) | October 23, 1987 |
Place of Birth | Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India |
Age | 37 years (as of 2025) |
Height | 5’9″ Feet (175 cm) |
Batting Style | Left-handed |
Bowling Style | Right-arm leg break |
Role in Team | Bowling All-rounder |
Marital Status | Married |
Wife | Nidhi Sharma |
Children | 1 Daughter |
Family | Father Name: Vinod Sharma, Mother: Poonam Sharma |
Nationality | Indian |
Religion | Hindu |
Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
Rise in Domestic Cricket
Karn made a stellar debut in the 2007–08 Ranji Trophy season for Railways, scoring 120 runs against Jammu and Kashmir. This century on debut as a lower-order batsman immediately set the tone for his all-round capabilities.
Over the years, he played for various domestic teams, including Railways, Vidarbha, and Andhra Pradesh. He was a reliable performer, contributing consistently with both bat and ball.
In the 2025 Ranji Trophy, he demonstrated his batting strength once again by scoring a steady 50 off 105 balls against Delhi, anchoring the Railways’ innings in difficult conditions.
International Career: A Brief Yet Impactful Stint
Although his international career didn’t mirror his domestic success, Karn Sharma still made notable appearances for the Indian national team.
Debuts:
- T20I Debut: September 7, 2014, vs. England
- ODI Debut: November 13, 2014, vs. Sri Lanka
- Test Debut: December 9, 2014, vs. Australia
In his lone Test, he picked up four wickets. Though slightly expensive, his leg-spin showed promise against a strong Australian lineup.
However, limited opportunities and fierce competition in the spin department prevented him from establishing a long-term place in the Indian squad.
Karn Sharma in IPL: The Lucky Charm of Championship Teams
Karn Sharma has a unique distinction in IPL history. He has been part of three different IPL title-winning squads in consecutive years:
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (2016)
- Mumbai Indians (2017)
- Chennai Super Kings (2018, 2021)
His ability to adapt to different team environments and contribute in high-pressure matches made him a highly valuable player. Known for his disciplined bowling and timely breakthroughs, Karn often plays the role of a quiet enforcer during the middle overs.
IPL 2025: Team and Price Details
In the 2025 IPL Auction, Karn Sharma was bought by Mumbai Indians for INR 50 lakh.
This marked his return to the franchise where he had earlier won the title in 2017. His signing is seen as a strategic move to add experience and depth to the bowling lineup.
Although not a regular starter in the playing XI, Karn’s value lies in his ability to step in as a dependable option in key situations, particularly on spin-friendly pitches.
Karn Sharma Career Records
Domestic Stats
Format | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | Wickets | Bowl Avg | Best Bowling |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
First-Class | 91 | 2,742 | 23.43 | 257 | 27.15 | 8/38 |
List A | 116 | 1,754 | 23.38 | 144 | 30.79 | 5/13 |
International & IPL Stats
Bowling Career Summary
Format | M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | Avg | Econ | SR | BBI | BBM | 5w | 10w |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 1 | 2 | 294 | 238 | 4 | 59.5 | 4.86 | 73.5 | 2/95 | 4/238 | 0 | 0 |
ODI | 2 | 2 | 114 | 125 | 0 | 0.0 | 6.58 | 0.0 | 0/61 | 0/61 | 0 | 0 |
T20 | 1 | 1 | 24 | 28 | 1 | 28.0 | 7 | 24.0 | 1/28 | 1/28 | 0 | 0 |
IPL | 88 | 85 | 1555 | 2171 | 82 | 26.48 | 8.38 | 18.96 | 4/16 | 4/16 | 0 | 0 |
Batting Career Summary
Format | M | Inn | Runs | BF | HS | Avg | SR | NO | 4s | 6s | 50 | 100 | 200 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 1 | 2 | 8 | 28 | 4 | 8 | 28.58 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
ODI | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
T20 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
IPL | 88 | 40 | 351 | 294 | 39 | 13.5 | 119.39 | 14 | 20 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Net Worth and Endorsements
As of 2025, Karn Sharma’s net worth is estimated at approximately INR 45 crores.
Income Sources:
- IPL Contracts: Notably INR 5 crores with CSK and INR 50 lakh in 2025 with Mumbai Indians.
- Domestic Salaries: Steady income from state-level and zonal cricket.
- Brand Endorsements: Deals with well-known brands like Nike and Reebok.
Assets:
- Real Estate: Owns a luxurious 7,000 sq. ft. residence in Meerut valued at INR 5 crores.
- Vehicles: Includes premium models like Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X5.
Karn Sharma’s IPL Impact: The Silent Game-Changer Behind Team Success
While fans often dub him the “Lucky Charm” of the IPL, Karn Sharma’s influence runs much deeper than coincidence. His career has been defined by moments that matter—quiet, game-changing spells and composed performances under pressure.
In a league filled with flashier stars, Karn’s value lies in his ability to consistently execute plans, especially in the unpredictable middle overs. Whether it’s breaking partnerships, controlling run flow, or rising to the occasion during playoffs, Karn has carved out a reputation as the kind of player every successful team needs.
Beyond his on-field presence, he now plays a guiding role for emerging spinners, proving that sometimes, the most impactful players don’t always steal the spotlight—they shape the game from behind it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Karn Sharma’s role in cricket?
He is a bowling all-rounder, known for his right-arm leg-spin and left-handed lower-order batting.
2. Which IPL teams has he played for?
He has represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. In 2025, he returned to Mumbai Indians.