Meet Prashant Veer, Most Expensive Uncapped Player in IPL Auction History

The IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi produced many big moments, but none matched the scale or symbolism of Chennai Super Kings’ ₹14.20 crore investment in Prashant Veer. At just 20, the uncapped all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh became the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history, sharing the record with fellow CSK buy Kartik Sharma, who was snapped up for the same amount moments later.

What made the deal remarkable was not just the price, but the journey. Prashant Veer entered the auction with a base price of ₹30 lakh. Within minutes, that figure became irrelevant. A fierce bidding war involving Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad drove the price past ₹10 crore, eclipsing Avesh Khan’s ₹10 crore record from the IPL 2022 mega auction. When SRH finally bowed out, CSK stood alone at ₹14.20 crore.

The valuation reflects a clear shift in how franchises assess talent. Prashant Veer’s price surpassed several established international players, underscoring the growing premium placed on high-impact, multi-skill cricketers over reputation alone. For CSK, the decision was as strategic as it was bold.

The franchise’s thinking is closely tied to its recent trade that sent Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals. In Prashant Veer, CSK believe they have identified a long-term successor—a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder capable of contributing across phases of a T20 match. Scouts have consistently drawn parallels with Jadeja, citing Veer’s versatility, athleticism and ability to influence games with both bat and ball.

CSK’s confidence is not without statistical backing. In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Prashant Veer has impressed with 112 runs at a strike rate of 169.69, while also claiming nine wickets at an economy of 6.76. His standout knocks—an unbeaten 40 off 26 balls against Bihar and a blistering 37 not out off 10 balls against Jammu and Kashmir—have showcased his finishing ability.

Across 31 T20 matches, Veer has accumulated 655 runs at an average of 34.47 and a strike rate of 142.39, along with 19 wickets at an economy of 7.48. Those numbers point to a genuine all-round profile—exactly the commodity franchises chase in the modern T20 game.

Yet, the price tag brings unavoidable pressure. Prashant Veer will now operate under expectations typically reserved for seasoned internationals. From a relatively anonymous domestic cricketer, he has been thrust into the spotlight, expected to perform at Chepauk, one of the IPL’s most demanding venues, despite having played only nine elite-level T20 matches.

CSK’s track record of developing young talent offers reassurance, but the margin for error is slim. Success could make Veer a franchise cornerstone; inconsistency could quickly turn the narrative toward risk.

Beyond CSK, the ripple effect of this deal is already evident. The investment sends a powerful message through India’s domestic circuit: strong performances in tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy can translate into life-changing opportunities. For aspiring cricketers, Prashant Veer’s rise—from a ₹30 lakh base price to a ₹14.20 crore payday—stands as proof that the IPL auction is increasingly a marketplace of potential, not just pedigree.

(yMedia is the content partner for this story)