Who is Ashok Sharma? One of the best Indian pacers in IPL 2026 Auction pool

Who is Ashok Sharma? One of the best Indian pacers in IPL 2026 Auction pool

Ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 mini-auction, one name part of every franchise’s scouting list has been Rajasthan’s young fast bowler, Ashok Sharma, who has dominated the domestic circuit this season. Recently becoming the highest wicket-taker in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26, Ashok has positioned himself as one of the most promising Indian pacers in the auction pool.

In the 2025-26 domestic season, he has been impressive. Playing his maiden season, the 23-year-old has led Rajasthan’s bowling attack brilliantly. In the league stage of SMAT, Ashok picked up 19 wickets in seven matches, finishing as the top wicket-taker with two four-wicket hauls and two three-wicket hauls. His best figures of 4/16 against Uttarakhand displayed his ability to exploit conditions and trouble batters. This exceptional run of form has made Ashok one of the most coveted uncapped fast bowlers heading into the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi.

Ashok yet to make his debut in IPL

Meanwhile, Ashok comes from a humble farming family in Rampura near Jaipur, and he almost quit cricket in 2021 after repeated failures to progress beyond the Rajasthan U-23 level. While preparing for a BA degree and a government job, he stumbled upon the Red Bull Speedster talent hunt, which completely changed his life.

Despite registrations being closed, Ashok convinced organisers to let him bowl. From 250 participants, he kept clearing round after round, consistently clocking 136 to 140 kph and eventually breaking into the final five. His performances there caught the attention of former India quick Pankaj Singh, as well as Rajasthan Royals scouts Dishant Yagnik and Zubin Bharucha.

He then spent time as a net bowler for RR before being signed in the IPL. His first contract came with KKR, who picked him in 2022 for INR 55 lakh. Last year, RR signed him for INR 30 lakh. However, he didn’t get a match with either franchise.

RCB conducts trials with Ashok

Notably, conversations with Pat Cummins at KKR helped him identify his biggest strength of bowling hard lengths at high speed. Furthermore, mentoring from seniors like Sandeep Sharma, Dhruv Jurel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal helped him refine his plans and become a more complete bowler.

In the ongoing SMAT season, Ashok has consistently hit 140 to 145 kph, using bounce and hard lengths to dismantle top domestic batting units. His skill set has increased his value significantly. Teams desperate for Indian pace depth have already conducted trials with him, including defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Notably, he has set his base price at INR 30 lakh for the mini-auction.