Abu Dhabi, (UNI) Chennai Super Kings stole the spotlight at the IPL 2026 mini-auction here on Tuesday by signing uncapped Indian youngsters Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer for a record Rs 14.20 crore each, marking the highest-ever price paid for uncapped players in the history of the Indian Premier League.
The back-to-back high-value purchases underlined CSK’s aggressive push towards long-term team building, with the franchise investing a combined Rs 28.40 crore on the two emerging stars during the uncapped players’ segment of the auction.
Nineteen-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Kartik Sharma attracted fierce bidding from multiple franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad, before CSK prevailed in a prolonged contest. Known for his explosive finishing ability and composure under pressure, Kartik is regarded as one of the most promising young batsmen in the domestic circuit.
Allrounder Prashant Veer, who represents Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket, sparked an equally intense bidding war involving Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals. The left-handed batsman and left-arm spinner saw his price soar rapidly as franchises identified him as a potential long-term replacement for an established allround role.
CSK’s decisive moves during the uncapped auction phase surprised several observers and shifted the focus away from more established international names, many of whom struggled to attract significant bids earlier in the day. The franchise’s willingness to back young Indian talent at premium prices reflected a strategic shift towards future-proofing the squad.
The record-breaking deals for Kartik and Veer eclipsed all previous benchmarks for uncapped players and emerged as one of the defining moments of the IPL 2026 auction, highlighting the growing value of domestic performers in the league’s evolving auction dynamics.
Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer bought for record Rs 14.20 crore each
