Kartik Chadha Aims for Indian Team Glory After Stellar T20 League Performance
Kartik Chadha's Aspirations
Leg-spinner Kartik Chadha from Ludhiana Lions is determined to represent India, expressing his desire to seize every opportunity as he shines in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 League 2026.
At just 22 years old, Chadha has claimed 13 wickets, making him the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament, trailing only his teammate Sahil Bhaskar, who has taken 20 wickets. His contributions have propelled the Lions to the finals, where they will compete against Amritsar Soormas at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali this Sunday.
A Memorable Dismissal
One of Chadha's notable achievements in the league was dismissing Shubman Gill, the captain of the Indian Test team, during a match against Fazilka Falcons. Despite Ludhiana's narrow loss by one run, Chadha's remarkable bowling figures of four wickets for just nine runs stand as the best in the tournament to date.
Reflecting on this achievement, Chadha stated, "It was a significant milestone for me. Dismissing our Test captain boosted my confidence and reassured me of my capabilities."
Preparing for the Final Showdown
Chadha now faces a formidable challenge against Naman Dhir, the captain of Amritsar Soormas, who leads the tournament with 626 runs, including a remarkable 173-run innings against Mohali Kings.
Despite Dhir's reputation, Chadha remains focused on his strengths, saying, "I will trust my abilities and not be intimidated by the name of the batter. I respect all players but concentrate on my game."
Transitioning to a Bowling All-Rounder
Chadha's journey in cricket began as a batsman, representing Punjab at the Under-16 level before transitioning to bowling. He has gained recognition in Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) district tournaments for maintaining low economy rates during crucial overs.
His career received a significant boost when he was selected as an intern bowler for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during the IPL 2025 season, where he honed his skills by bowling to some of the world's top batters.
Team Support and Learning
Chadha attributes much of his success to the support of his teammates, particularly his roommate Krish Bhagat, who has been a source of guidance both on and off the field. "Krish has been a close companion for years, and he helps me navigate various situations," Chadha shared.
He also acknowledged the unique contributions of his teammates, stating, "Every player brings something valuable. For instance, Arjun Rajput excels in fielding, while Madhav Pathania has a keen eye for selecting the right balls to hit. I learn a lot from each of them."
Finals and Future Aspirations
The Ludhiana Lions secured their place in the finals by defeating Jalandhar Warriors by 17 runs, while Amritsar Soormas triumphed over Mohali Kings to set up this exciting title match.
Chadha aims to conclude his impressive season with a strong performance in the final, all while keeping his ultimate goal of representing India in sight.