Chennai Super Kings created IPL auction history by acquiring two uncapped players at identical record-breaking prices during the 2026 mega auction. The franchise secured Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma for ₹14.20 crore each, establishing a new benchmark for uncapped player valuations.
Record-Shattering Acquisitions
The dual signings demolished the previous high mark of ₹10 crore paid by Lucknow Super Giants for Avesh Khan during the 2022 auction. CSK’s investments represent a 42% increase over that earlier record.
Auction Room Drama
The battle for Prashant Veer saw Chennai Super Kings outlast Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in aggressive bidding. After crossing the ₹6 crore threshold and sailing past ₹10 crore, CSK ultimately claimed the all-rounder at ₹14.20 crore.
Kartik Sharma triggered an even more dramatic contest involving Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, and Chennai Super Kings. The bidding escalated beyond ₹10 crore as KKR and CSK battled head-to-head, with CSK emerging victorious at precisely ₹14.20 crore.
Player Profiles
Prashant Veer:
The 20-year-old all-rounder from Amethi, Uttar Pradesh specializes in left-arm spin and batting. His style has drawn parallels to Ravindra Jadeja. During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he contributed 112 runs striking at 169.69 while taking nine wickets with a 6.76 economy rate. Representing Noida Super Kings in the UP T20 League, Veer delivered 320 runs and eight wickets in 10 outings. Having previously trialed with CSK, he attracted interest from multiple franchises seeking a Jadeja-type player.
Read More: Where is the IPL players’ auction today, and when does it begin?
Kartik Sharma:
The 19-year-old keeper-batter from Rajasthan has compiled 334 runs across 12 T20 matches at a blistering strike rate of 164, including 28 maximums. His explosive hitting has garnered praise from cricket personalities including Kevin Pietersen and R Ashwin. Known for solid glovework, Sharma has management backing from JSW, which handles prominent athletes like Neeraj Chopra.
All-Time Uncapped Player Rankings
- Prashant Veer (Indian) – ₹14.20 crore (2026)
- Kartik Sharma (Indian) – ₹14.20 crore (2026)
- Avesh Khan (Indian) – ₹10 crore (2022)
- Krishnappa Gowtham (Indian) – ₹9.25 crore (2021)
- Auqib Nabi (Indian) – ₹8.40 crore (2026) – acquired by Delhi Capitals
- Riley Meredith (Australia) – ₹8 crore (2021)
The auction marked a watershed moment for unproven Indian talent, with Chennai Super Kings demonstrating aggressive intent in building their squad around emerging prospects. Delhi Capitals also made significant moves by signing Jammu and Kashmir pace all-rounder Auqib Nabi for considerable money.
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