Prashant Veer’s rise from domestic grind to IPL stardom is a story of persistence, travel, and performance. Just days after shuttling between cities to play back-to-back domestic matches, the 20-year-old allrounder scripted history at the IPL 2026 auction. Chennai Super Kings secured Veer for ₹14.20 crore, making him the most expensive uncapped player the league has ever seen.
The auction moment marked a breakthrough for the Uttar Pradesh cricketer, who entered the bidding with a modest base price of ₹30 lakh. By the time the gavel fell, Veer had become one of the biggest talking points of the auction.
Who Is Prashant Veer?
Prashant Veer is a left-arm orthodox spinner and a hard-hitting lower-middle-order batter. He hails from Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, and represents the state across formats. Known for his utility value in T20 cricket, Veer can contribute with bat, ball, and in the field. His ability to stay calm under pressure has made him a standout performer in domestic tournaments.
How the IPL 2026 Auction Drama Unfolded
Veer attracted instant attention as soon as his name came up. Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians opened the bidding. Chennai Super Kings entered soon after Mumbai stepped back. Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad then joined the contest, triggering a fierce bidding war.
The price rose rapidly. What started at ₹30 lakh crossed ₹4 crore in minutes. The bid soon moved past ₹6 crore and then surged into double digits. CSK held their nerve and finally sealed the deal at ₹14.20 crore, outbidding all rivals.
Why CSK Went All In for Veer
CSK sees Veer as a long-term investment. He fits their model of backing versatile Indian players. His skill set allows him to bat deep, bowl economically, and adapt to match situations. The franchise views him as a strong option in the lower middle order and a reliable spin bowling choice.
UP’s U23 coach and former India cricketer Gyanendra Pandey summed up Veer’s value perfectly.
“He is a perfect player for CSK like Ravindra Jadeja, and throughout the tournament, I found in him an energetic performer with the bat and the ball.”
His courageous attitude on the ground makes him different from others. I’m sure he is going to be a trump card for CSK in the upcoming IPL season,” Pandey added.
Domestic Performances That Changed His Career
Veer’s auction success did not come overnight. He impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the BCCI U23 tournaments, and the UPT20 League. He often played matches on consecutive days while travelling between Mumbai and Kolkata.
“I enjoyed shuttling from Mumbai to Kolkata and then back to Mumbai for the U23 and SMAT matches, and every time I tried to live up to the expectations,” Veer said.
His numbers back his rise. In SMAT, he scored 112 runs at a strike rate of 169.69 and took nine wickets with an economy of 6.76. In U23 cricket, he averaged over 90 in the 50-over format and earned Player of the Tournament honours.
Confidence Before the Big Leap
Veer always believed his chance would come.
“I am sure of getting an opportunity to play in the IPL, as for the last two years I have been waiting for an opportunity,” he said earlier at an IPL trial.
“I had an average of 50-plus last season with 10 wickets in Under-23, and the UPT20 League boosted my confidence further,” he added.
For Chennai Super Kings, Veer offers balance and flexibility. For Veer, the IPL offers a platform to turn promise into performance. His journey from domestic cricket to a record-breaking auction buy highlights the rewards of consistency and belief. All eyes will now be on how he delivers in his first IPL season.
