The IPL 2026 auction produced a surprise headline when Chennai Super Kings made a bold investment in 20-year-old all-rounder Prashant Veer, securing him for a hefty ₹14.2 crore. The move instantly made Veer the
joint-most expensive Indian buy of the day and signalled CSK's intent to plan well beyond the present.
Veer's rise has been swift but far from accidental. First spotted while turning out for Noida Super Kings in the UP T20 League, the left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder steadily built a reputation as a cricketer who could influence games in multiple ways. His performances over the past few months have strengthened that impression, particularly during the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The recent phase of his career has been relentless. Over the course of just seven days, Veer featured in six matches while shuttling between Mumbai and Kolkata, representing Uttar Pradesh in both senior T20 and Under-23 fixtures. He finished that stretch with 112 runs scored at a striking rate of 170, while also claiming nine wickets at an economy of just 6.76 - numbers that underline his value in the shortest format.
Such consistency did not escape the attention of IPL scouts. Chennai Super Kings, known for identifying and nurturing long-term assets, brought Veer in for trials as they continue to search for a future successor to Ravindra Jadeja. Impressed by his skill set and temperament, CSK went aggressively at the auction table to ensure they did not miss out.
Born in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, on November 24, 2005, Prashant Veer is still at the start of his professional journey. So far, he has featured in a combined 11 first-class and T20 matches for Uttar Pradesh, picking up 14 wickets and contributing 119 runs. While those numbers may appear modest, franchises are clearly betting on his upside rather than his current resume.
For CSK, the signing fits a familiar pattern - investing heavily in young Indian talent capable of becoming core players over time. With experienced heads guiding him in the dressing room, Veer now has the platform to refine his game and grow into the demanding IPL environment.
At just 20, Prashant Veer's ₹14.2 crore payday marks the beginning of a new chapter - one that could see him evolve from a domestic prospect into a central figure in CSK's future plans.
