“I thought he shouldn’t have even played”

Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth praised uncapped Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Kartik Sharma for proving him wrong in the IPL 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 16. Srikkanth has been critical of CSK batting Kartik at No.4 throughout the season, considering the right-hander’s low strike rates.

However, the 20-year-old produced his best knock of the season, scoring a brilliant 71 off 42 balls in the LSG encounter. It was Kartik’s second half-century of the season, propelling his tally to 244 runs at an average of almost 35 and a strike rate of 134.06 in nine outings.

Talking about Kartik Sharma’s knock, Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel (18:18):

“I’ve not been pro-Kartik Sharma, but I was very impressed with this knock. He took on Prince Yadav quite a bit, knowing he’s the most dangerous bowler. Once he got set, he looked deadly. I never expected Kartik Sharma to play so well on this wicket. I thought he shouldn’t have even played this game. But he made me eat back my words.”

He continued:

“The only thing is, he plays several dots after hitting a six or a four. He has to learn how to take a single after a six and give the strike to Dewald Brevis. Brevis lost momentum because he didn’t get strike in the partnership with Kartik Sharma. Though they got sixes, they allowed Shahbaz Ahmed to escape on this wicket. But CSK should have scored 200 for the way Kartik Sharma and Dewald Brevis played.”

Despite Kartik’s heroics, CSK finished with only 187 in their 20 overs, a target LSG chased down in a mere 16.4 overs with seven wickets to spare.

“He had to play this game” – Kris Srikkanth on Akeal Hosein

Kris Srikkanth criticized the CSK management for dropping left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein in the crucial game against LSG. The 33-year-old had a poor outing the last time the two teams met a few days back, conceding 49 runs off his four overs.

However, Akeal has been impressive with the ball this season, picking up seven wickets at an average of 25.28 and an economy of 8.16 in six outings.

“CSK got scared of playing Akeal Hosein because Inglis smashed him in the last match. He had to play this game. The CSK bowlers just fed Mitchell Marsh to his strengths. Noor Ahmad was brilliant and got CSK into the match a bit. The LSG batters were clueless against him. But you know Marsh can struggle against left-arm spin,” said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).

The former skipper was also surprised by CSK not bowling fellow left-arm spinner Prashant Veer, saying:

“They should have bowled Prashant Veer. Give him two overs when Noor Ahmad is tightening things up on the other side. But Kamboj’s bowling made the difference between the sides. The other CSK bowlers actually finished with respectable figures. But today exposed what a big miss Overton is.”

Barring Noor Ahmad, CSK went all-pace even as Mitchell Marsh tore them apart for a breathtaking 90 off 38 deliveries.