IPL 2026 Mini-Auction: CSK Sets New Record with ₹14.20 Crore Buys of Prashant Veer & Kartik Sharma

At the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made waves by spending an astonishing ₹14.20 crore each on two Indian uncapped players, Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, rewriting the record books as the most expensive uncapped buys in IPL history.

These high-profile acquisitions reflect a growing trend in the Indian Premier League, where franchises are increasingly willing to invest heavily in promising young domestic talent rather than focusing solely on established international stars.

Prashant Veer, a left-arm spin all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, emerged as one of the most talked-about players of the auction. Initially entering with a modest base price of ₹30 lakh, Veer attracted intense bidding interest from teams such as Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, and Sunrisers Hyderabad before CSK clinched his signature for a staggering ₹14.20 crore. This dramatic price escalation underscores how highly IPL franchises value players with dual skills who can contribute as both effective bowlers and powerful lower-order hitters.

Veer’s impressive performances in domestic circuits, notably in the UP T20 League and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, caught the attention of cricket scouts nationwide. He showcased his ability to score brisk runs and deliver crucial overs, with his off-spin and batting prowess positioning him as a potential successor to retired CSK legend Ravindra Jadeja, whose all-round brilliance was instrumental to the franchise for years.

Alongside Veer, wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma matched this historic price tag, becoming the joint most expensive uncapped player ever acquired in the IPL. Starting at the same ₹30 lakh base price, Sharma ignited a fierce bidding war involving Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad before CSK’s winning bid prevailed. Known for his aggressive hitting and explosive strike rate in limited opportunities, particularly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Sharma brings valuable finishing power and flexibility behind the stumps.

His profile as a wicketkeeper-batter with a knack for big shots, evidenced by a domestic strike rate above 160, fills a coveted niche in T20 cricket strategy - where the ability to consistently clear the boundary in the final overs can dramatically alter match outcomes.

Strategically, CSK’s dual record buys mark a clear shift in their squad-building philosophy. Historically known as a “dad’s army,” with seasoned veterans like MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja leading the charge, CSK now appears to be transitioning towards a future-focused approach that blends youthful flair with experience. Head coach Stephen Fleming hinted that evolving T20 tactics and the increasing value of fearless young talent influenced their aggressive auction strategy.

These twin signings not only bolster CSK’s batting depth and field balance but also send a strong message to the rest of the IPL: age and international caps are no longer automatic predictors of auction value. Franchise decision-makers are scouting talent deeper within domestic cricket ranks and backing their potential with blockbuster bids.

For Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, the IPL 2026 season promises a momentous debut. With the weight of expectations high and historic price tags attached, both players will be under close scrutiny to justify CSK’s faith. Millions of cricket fans will be watching as these young stars step onto the IPL stage, a testament to how the league continues to shape and elevate the careers of emerging cricketing talents.