Karn Vinod Sharma was born on October 23, 1987, in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. Growing up in a region known for producing talented cricketers, Karn developed a passion for the sport early on. He honed his skills in local cricket circuits, eventually making a name for himself with his leg-spin bowling and left-handed batting.
Domestic Career
Railways and Early Success
Karn began his domestic career with the Railways cricket team. He made his List A debut on February 18, 2007, against Vidarbha and his First-Class debut on November 3, 2007, against Jammu & Kashmir. Notably, in his debut First-Class match, he scored an impressive 120 runs, showcasing his potential as an all-rounder.
Performance Statistics
Over the years, Karn has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket:
- First-Class (FC): 91 matches, 2,742 runs at an average of 23.43, including 2 centuries and 16 fifties; 257 wickets at an average of 27.15, with best bowling figures of 8/38.
- List A: 116 matches, 1,754 runs at an average of 23.38, including 1 century and 6 fifties; 144 wickets at an average of 30.79, with best bowling figures of 5/13.
- T20s: 181 matches, 1,543 runs at an average of 18.15; 157 wickets at an average of 26.29, with best bowling figures of 5/24.
International Career
Karn’s consistent domestic performances earned him a spot in the national team:
- T20 International (T20I): Debuted on September 7, 2014, against England.
- One Day International (ODI): Debuted on November 13, 2014, against Sri Lanka.
- Test Match: Debuted on December 9, 2014, against Australia in Adelaide.
While his international career was brief, Karn showcased his skills, especially in the Test arena, where he took 4 wickets in his debut match.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Career
Karn Sharma has been a prominent figure in the IPL, representing various teams over the years
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): 2009, 2022–present.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): 2013–2016.
- Mumbai Indians (MI):
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK): 2018–2021.
Notably, Karn achieved the rare feat of winning the IPL title in three consecutive years with three different teams:
- 2016: Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- 2017: Mumbai Indians.
- 2018: Chennai Super Kings.
In the 2025 IPL season, Karn played for the Mumbai Indians, continuing to contribute with his leg-spin bowling.
Playing Style and Strengths
Karn Sharma is known for his:
- Bowling: Right-arm leg break googly, capable of deceiving batsmen with flight and turn.
- Batting: Left-handed, providing depth to the batting lineup.
His versatility as an all-rounder has made him a valuable asset in various formats of the game.
Personal Life
Standing at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and weighing approximately 68 kg (150 lbs), Karn maintains a fit physique essential for his role as an all-rounder.
While details about his personal life remain private, Karn is known to be focused on his cricketing career, dedicating time to training and improving his skills.
Achievements and Awards
- Best Under-25 Cricketer: Awarded by the BCCI in the 2012-13 season.
- IPL Titles: Three consecutive wins with different teams, a unique achievement in the league’s history.
Legacy and Impact
Karn Sharma’s journey from domestic cricket to the international arena and his success in the IPL serves as an inspiration to many aspiring cricketers. His dedication, adaptability, and consistent performances highlight the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving success in professional sports.
