Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made history at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction by signing uncapped players Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma for a record-breaking ₹14.20 crores each. This move surpasses the previous record held by Avesh Khan, who was purchased for ₹10 crore in 2022.

The five-time IPL champions invested heavily in young talent, indicating a shift from their previous strategy of relying on experienced players. Prashant Veer, a 20-year-old all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, and Kartik Sharma, a 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan, have impressed in domestic cricket. Veer scored 320 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 155.34 in the UPT20 League 2025, while Sharma has 479 runs from eight first-class games at an average of 43.54.

CSK’s decision to sign these young players has generated excitement among fans, who believe the team is moving away from its “daddies army” reputation. Fans took to social media to express their thoughts, with some calling it a “blockbuster auction” and others hoping the players will justify their high price tags.

The signings are significant, especially with MS Dhoni’s retirement expected in 2026. Some fans speculate that Veer and Sharma could be the replacements for Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja. CSK entered the auction with the second-highest purse of ₹43.40 crore, and their investment in uncapped players is seen as a strategic move to build a strong team for the future.

The IPL 2026 auction has sparked interest among cricket fans, with many eagerly awaiting the upcoming season. The tournament is expected to feature exciting matches, and CSK’s new signings are likely to be closely watched. As the team prepares for the new season, fans are hopeful that Veer and Sharma will make a significant impact and help CSK win their sixth IPL title.