A new pace sensation emerged at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi as the Gujarat Titans secured the services of 23-year-old Ashok Sharma for ₹90 lakh. The Rajasthan-born fast bowler, who will be making his long-awaited IPL debut, earned his contract on the back of a sensational domestic season where he announced himself as a fearsome wicket-taker with genuine speed.
Who is Ashok Sharma?
Ashok Sharma is a 23-year-old Indian fast bowler who has rapidly risen from village cricket in Rajasthan to the elite stage of the IPL.He is known for his raw pace and hard-length bowling. A right-arm medium-fast bowler, he is recognised for his raw speed and ability to bowl hard lengths, often reaching 145–150 kmph. His journey shows determination, having earlier been a net bowler for IPL franchises before impressing selectors with his on-field displays.
Ashok Sharma Family & Humble Roots
The story of the pacer starts in Rampura village near Jaipur, Rajasthan. Born on June 17, 2002, his cricketing interest was backed early by his father, Nathu Lal Sharma, who enrolled him in a cricket academy. Though his mother preferred academics and a secure job for him, he stuck with cricket. Facing major challenges at the state level, he nearly quit in 2021. A talent hunt later changed his fortunes, proving the importance of resilience and family faith.
Ashok Sharma Career & Domestic Breakthrough
Ashok Sharma’s career is a classic tale of a late bloomer making a massive impact. After being a net bowler for the Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, his moment arrived in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In just nine matches, he terrorized batters, picking up 20 wickets at an incredible average of 14.80 to become the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. This explosive performance, highlighted by his searing pace and control, made him a hot property at the auction and finally secured his spot on an IPL roster.
Ashok Sharma Career Statistics
While his First-Class and List A career is still developing, his recent T20 statistics are what captured the IPL’s attention. The table below summarizes his standout performance in the tournament that changed his career:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling in an Innings | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class (FC) | 14 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| List A | 3 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| T20 (SMAT 2025) | 9 | 20 | 4/16 | ~8.84 |
Ashok Sharma: Age & Profile
Ashok Sharma is a 23-year-old cricketer, born on June 17, 2002. He comes from Rampura village near Jaipur, Rajasthan. A right-arm medium-fast bowler, he will play for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 after being bought for ₹90 lakh. He represents Rajasthan in domestic cricket and is known for his raw pace, with his fastest delivery clocked at 150.3 kmph. He stands 5 ft 6 in tall.
FAQs About Ashok Sharma
Q: What makes Ashok Sharma a special talent?
A: Sharma brings two highly valued assets to the T20 game: genuine, high pace (regularly around 150 kmph) and a proven wicket-taking ability in a short domestic season. His “hard lengths” bowling is perfectly suited for modern T20 cricket.
Q: Has he played in the IPL before?
A: No. He will make his formal IPL debut with the Gujarat Titans in 2026. He does, however, have useful experience as a net bowler for the Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, which gives him insight into the atmosphere of the competition.
Q: Why did he get an IPL contract now?
A: His contract came from a standout performance in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he finished as the highest wicket-taker, turning promise into proven success and attracting strong bids.
Q: What was the turning point in his career?
A: His career turned around after he took part in the Red Bull Speedster talent hunt. The event recorded his high pace consistently, drawing the attention of IPL scouts and setting him on a new path.