Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma IPL 2026 Price: Why CSK Spent ₹28.4 Crore?
The Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma IPL 2026 price of ₹14.20 crore each has made them the joint most expensive uncapped players in history. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured the duo in the December 2025 auction to replace Ravindra Jadeja and bolster their youthful middle-order for the 2026 season.
Who are Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma?
The IPL 2026 auction highlights were dominated by two names that many casual fans might not have recognized initially: Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma. While the auction saw big names like Cameron Green fetching over ₹25 crore, it was CSK’s aggressive bidding for these two uncapped Indian stars that truly defined the event in Abu Dhabi.
For the first time in the tournament’s history, the record for the most expensive uncapped player was broken twice in a single hour. Chennai Super Kings, moving away from their “Dad’s Army” reputation, spent a combined ₹28.4 crore on these two youngsters. But who is Prashant Veer CSK? And why did a franchise known for banking on experience suddenly pivot to such high-stakes gambling on youth?
Prashant Veer: The Ravindra Jadeja Successor?
Prashant Veer, a 20-year-old all-rounder from Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, is widely viewed as a “like-for-like” replacement for Ravindra Jadeja. Following the blockbuster trade that sent Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson, CSK needed a left-arm orthodox spinner who could also contribute with explosive batting at No. 7.
Prashant Veer Bowling Style and Domestic Rise
Known for his Prashant Veer bowling style—which emphasizes accuracy and subtle variations in pace—the youngster rose to fame in the UP T20 League. Representing the Noida Super Kings, he showcased an ability to bowl tight spells in the powerplay and the middle overs.
His performance in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) was the final catalyst for his ₹14.20 crore price tag. Veer picked up 12 wickets in just 9 innings with an incredible economy rate of 6.45. His batting is equally potent; he maintains a strike rate of over 167 in domestic T20s, making him one of the most promising Indian domestic cricket stars.
Kartik Sharma: The Next Big Hitter in CSK’s Middle Order?
Minutes after securing Veer, CSK returned to the bidding table for Kartik Sharma, a 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan. Despite interest from Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants, CSK refused to back down, eventually matching the ₹14.20 crore figure.
Kartik Sharma Domestic Stats and Skills
If you look at the Kartik Sharma domestic stats, it is clear why the scouts were impressed. In the recent Ranji Trophy season, he hammered three centuries in just 11 innings, averaging over 43. In shorter formats, his clean striking is his biggest asset.
- T20 Strike Rate: 162.92
- Boundary Percentage: Over 50% of his runs in SMAT came via sixes.
- Wicketkeeping: Highly agile behind the stumps, often compared to a young Rishabh Pant for his aggressive approach.
While a finger injury sidelined him during the latter stages of the SMAT 2025-26 Super League, his earlier performances had already done enough to convince Stephen Fleming and the CSK management of his long-term value.
Why did CSK pay 14.2 crore for Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer?
The primary reason behind the Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma IPL 2026 price is a fundamental shift in CSK’s DNA. Head coach Stephen Fleming admitted that the team had been “slow to evolve” with the high-scoring trends of modern T20 cricket. By acquiring Veer and Sharma, CSK has secured two players who fit the high-strike-rate template.
Furthermore, the “Jadeja-Samson” trade left a massive hole in the bowling department. Spending heavily on an uncapped all-rounder like Veer was a calculated risk to ensure the team balance wasn’t compromised. For Kartik Sharma, his role is clear: he is the designated finisher and the heir apparent to the wicketkeeping gloves once MS Dhoni finally transitions into a full-time mentoring role.
Stats Comparison: Prashant Veer vs Kartik Sharma
To understand the impact these two might have, here is a Prashant Veer vs Kartik Sharma stats comparison based on their T20 performances leading up to the 2026 season.
| Feature | Prashant Veer (All-Rounder) | Kartik Sharma (WK-Batter) |
| State Team | Uttar Pradesh | Rajasthan |
| Role | Left-arm Spin / Left-hand Bat | Right-hand Bat / Wicketkeeper |
| T20 Strike Rate | 169.69 | 162.92 |
| Bowling Economy | 6.76 | N/A |
| Top Score | 58* (UP T20 League) | 123 (Ranji Trophy) |
| IPL 2026 Price | ₹14.20 Crore | ₹14.20 Crore |
CSK Squad 2026 Analysis: Where do they fit?
The CSK squad 2026 analysis suggests a much more balanced and explosive unit than in previous years. With Ruturaj Gaikwad leading and Sanju Samson bolstering the top order, Veer and Sharma are expected to form the “engine room” of the middle and lower order.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
- Sanju Samson (WK)
- Shivam Dube
- Dewald Brevis
- Kartik Sharma
- MS Dhoni
- Prashant Veer
- Noor Ahmad
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Rahul Chahar
- Matheesha Pathirana / Nathan Ellis
This lineup gives CSK five genuine bowling options and batting depth down to number 8, a hallmark of their most successful seasons. The addition of Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma provides the “X-factor” that was missing during their disappointing 2025 campaign.
Conclusion: A New Era for the Yellow Army
The record-breaking Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma IPL 2026 price of ₹14.20 crore each is a statement of intent. CSK is no longer just the “Dad’s Army”; they are now the “Young Lions” looking to reclaim their throne. While the price tags carry immense pressure, both players have shown the temperament in domestic cricket to suggest they can handle the bright lights of the IPL.
What do you think of CSK’s ₹28.4 crore gamble? Follow Today Cricket News for more IPL 2026 auction highlights and deep dives into every team’s strategy!
FAQ: Common Questions About Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma
Who is the most expensive uncapped player in IPL 2026?
Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma are the joint most expensive uncapped players in IPL 2026, both bought by CSK for ₹14.20 crore.
Why did CSK pay 14.2 crore for Kartik Sharma?
CSK invested in Kartik Sharma due to his exceptional power-hitting (strike rate 160+) and his versatility as a wicketkeeper-batter, identifying him as a long-term middle-order asset.
What is Prashant Veer’s bowling style?
Prashant Veer is a left-arm orthodox spin bowler. He is known for his economy and is being groomed as a replacement for Ravindra Jadeja in the CSK lineup.
Which state does Prashant Veer play for in domestic cricket?
Prashant Veer represents Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket. He previously gained attention in the UP T20 League and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
How to watch IPL 2026 auction highlights?
You can watch the IPL 2026 auction highlights on the JioHotstar app or the official IPL website (iplt20.com).
Is Kartik Sharma related to any famous cricketer?
There is no confirmed relation to other famous cricketers; however, Kartik Sharma has made a name for himself through the Rajasthan domestic circuit.