CSK shatter IPL auction records with twin Rs 14.20 cr uncapped signings

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) scripted history at the IPL 2026 auction by spending a staggering Rs 28.40 crore on two uncapped Indian youngsters, Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, in what turned out to be one of the most dramatic auction moments ever.

CSK first secured all-rounder Prashant Veer for Rs 14.20 crore after a fierce bidding contest involving Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Moments later, the franchise repeated the same figure to land wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma, outlasting Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants in a high-intensity four-team battle. With identical price tags, Veer and Sharma now jointly hold the record for the most expensive uncapped players in IPL history.

The previous benchmark was set in IPL 2022, when Lucknow Super Giants bought Avesh Khan for Rs 10 crore. Both CSK signings have comfortably eclipsed that mark, pushing the ceiling for uncapped Indian talent to unprecedented levels.

Prashant Veer, a 20-year-old left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, has been widely tipped as a long-term prospect in the mould of Ravindra Jadeja. He impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 112 runs at a strike rate of 169.69 and nine wickets at an economy of 6.76. His all-round impact continued in the UP T20 League for Noida Super Kings, where he scored 320 runs and picked up eight wickets in 10 matches. Having previously attended CSK trials, Veer was closely monitored by multiple franchises, especially with Chennai keen to strengthen their all-round options.

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Nineteen-year-old Kartik Sharma, a wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan, has quickly built a reputation as a clean and fearless striker. In 12 T20 matches, he has scored 334 runs at a strike rate of 164, including 28 sixes. His explosive batting videos have drawn praise from former stars like Kevin Pietersen and R Ashwin. Alongside his hitting ability, Sharma is regarded as a dependable wicketkeeper and is already part of the JSW stable, which manages elite athletes such as Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra.

With these two bold investments, Chennai Super Kings have not only broken auction records but also sent a clear message about their commitment to building the next generation of Indian match-winners.