PBKS vs GT: Who is Ashok Sharma? Rajasthan Youngster who almost Quit Cricket, makes IPL debut for Gujarat Titans

As the Punjab Kings take on Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026, the Titans have handed a debut to young pacer Ashok Sharma.

Gujarat Titans acquired the services of talented pacer Ashok Sharma in the IPL 2026 auction. Touted to fetch decent price, Sharma was sold to the Titans for a fee of Rs 90 lakh, three times more what he received in the mega auction in 2024.

Who is Ashok Sharma?

Ashok Sharma, a right-arm medium-fast bowler from Jaipur, is known for swinging the ball both ways with control and accuracy. After impressing in Rajasthan's trials, he was picked as a net bowler and later caught attention in the 2023 Rajasthan Premier League for his wicket-taking ability under pressure.

Bought by Rajasthan Royals in the 2025 IPL auction for INR 30 lakh, Sharma has developed into a reliable seamer, consistently bowling in the high 140s. The Titans have now snapped him up for a three-time hiked price in the mini auction.

He topped the group stage wickets in the latest Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 19 wickets in seven matches at an average of 12.10 and an economy of 8.84. Despite previous stints with KKR and RR, will finally make his debut in Titans colours.

Ashok Sharma almost Quit Cricket

In 2021, the young Rajasthan pacer, frustrated by repeated failures to break into the state's U-23 team, decided to quit cricket. He planned to pursue a BA degree and a stable government job to support his farming family. Self-doubt and lack of opportunities had left him disheartened.

A turning point came via the Red Bull Speedster talent hunt, where he clocked 140 kmph, catching the eye of Rajasthan Royals (RR) scouts. Starting as a net bowler for RR, he earned his IPL breakthrough in 2022, signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹55 lakh, though he didn't feature in matches. He returned to RR in 2025 for ₹30 lakh, again as a squad member.

Ashok will make his debut for GT as they bat first in the match against PBKS at the Mullanpur stadium.