Chennai Super Kings made one of the boldest statements of the IPL 2026 mini-auction by investing a combined Rs 28.40 crore in two uncapped Indian players — Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer. The aggressive outlay underlines CSK’s clear intent to rebuild their Indian core with long-term prospects, even if it means paying a premium for potential.
Here’s a closer look at why CSK went big on these two names and what they bring to the table.
Kartik Sharma: Rs 14.20 crore
Role: Wicketkeeper-batter | Age: 19 | State: Rajasthan
Kartik Sharma emerged as one of the most sought-after uncapped players at the auction. A three-way bidding war involving CSK, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Kolkata Knight Riders eventually saw CSK clinch the teenage wicketkeeper-batter for Rs 14.20 crore.
Kartik is known as an explosive middle-order finisher, boasting a T20 strike rate of over 160. His credentials are backed by strong domestic performances:
- Century on Ranji Trophy debut in the 2024–25 season
- 445 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, finishing as Rajasthan’s leading run-scorer
- Impactful cameos in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
- A highly talked-about trial hundred for KKR at a strike rate close to 285, which created major auction buzz
Former cricketers and analysts have praised Kartik’s six-hitting ability and composure, and CSK view him as a long-term Indian wicketkeeper-finisher, a rare and highly valued T20 role.
Prashant Veer: Rs 14.20 crore
Role: All-rounder | Age: 20 | State: Uttar Pradesh
CSK matched their Kartik Sharma spend by going equally hard for Prashant Veer, an uncapped left-handed batting all-rounder who bowls slow left-arm orthodox spin. Veer entered the auction at a base price of Rs 30 lakh but ended up fetching Rs 14.20 crore, becoming CSK’s most expensive-ever Indian buy, overtaking Deepak Chahar.
Veer’s appeal lies in his multi-format impact:
- T20 cricket: Strike rate around 135, with four half-centuries in 20 matches
- First-class cricket: 780 runs at 45.88 and 30 wickets, highlighting genuine all-round ability
- Under-23 50-over tournament: 376 runs at an average of 94, strike rate of 128.76, plus 18 wickets, earning Player of the Tournament honours
- UP T20 League: 320 runs at a blistering strike rate for Noida Super Kings
- Recent Ranji performances, including figures like 2 for 1 against Odisha, showing bowling control
Importantly, CSK see Veer as a like-for-like long-term replacement after Ravindra Jadeja’s exit, putting faith in his left-arm spin, batting depth, and adaptability across formats.
Why CSK went all-in on two uncapped players
CSK’s Rs 28.40 crore gamble is not a short-term move. The franchise has historically prioritised role clarity, Indian core strength, and succession planning. With senior players moving on, CSK have chosen to lock in future pillars early, even at a premium.
- Kartik Sharma fills the need for a young Indian wicketkeeper-finisher
- Prashant Veer addresses the all-rounder slot vacated by Jadeja
- Both players offer multi-skill value, which is critical under squad and overseas constraints
Rather than spreading money across multiple mid-tier options, CSK have concentrated their investment in two players they believe can serve the franchise for several seasons.
A high-risk, high-reward strategy
Spending Rs 28.40 crore on two uncapped Indians is a significant risk, but it reflects CSK’s confidence in their scouting and development systems. If Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer translate their domestic success to the IPL stage, CSK could end up with two core Indian players secured for years.
As IPL 2026 approaches, these two names will be closely watched — not just for performance, but as symbols of CSK’s next-generation rebuild.
