The IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi witnessed a historic moment as two young uncapped Indian cricketers shattered previous records. Prashant Veer, a 20-year-old left-arm spin allrounder from Uttar Pradesh, and Kartik Sharma, a 19-year-old wicketkeeper from Rajasthan, became the most expensive uncapped Indian players in IPL history after Chennai Super Kings secured both players for an astonishing INR 14.2 crore each.
Chennai Super Kings’ Bold Investment in Youth
Chennai Super Kings dominated the auction headlines by aggressively backing young Indian talent. Both Veer and Kartik had a modest base price of INR 30 lakh, but intense bidding wars pushed their values to unprecedented heights. CSK outbid several franchises, including Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, reflecting the franchise’s long-term vision and faith in emerging domestic players.
Prashant Veer’s Rapid Rise Through Domestic Cricket
Prashant Veer entered the auction with limited top-level experience, having played only nine domestic T20 matches. However, his standout performances in the UP T20 League, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Uttar Pradesh’s Under-23 competitions caught the attention of multiple teams. His left-arm spin and allround abilities made him a valuable asset, especially for CSK, who were seeking to fill a strategic gap in their squad after recent trades.
Kartik Sharma’s Reputation as a Power-Hitting Finisher
Kartik Sharma’s rise has been equally impressive. Known for his explosive lower-order batting, the young wicketkeeper has built a reputation as a reliable finisher. In just 12 T20 matches, Kartik has scored 334 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 164, smashing 28 sixes. His association with JSW Sports, which manages elite athletes including Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, further highlights his growing stature in Indian cricket.
CSK Management Explains the Strategic Shift
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming emphasized that these signings reflect a broader shift in the franchise’s approach. Acknowledging the evolving nature of the modern game, Fleming noted that CSK recalibrated their strategy midway through IPL 2025, placing greater emphasis on scouting and investing in young domestic talent. According to him, building a strong core of local players is essential for sustained success, even if it requires significant financial commitment.
Other Uncapped Indians Command Big Money
The auction also proved lucrative for several other uncapped Indian players. Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi was picked up by Delhi Capitals for INR 8.4 crore after a competitive bidding battle involving multiple teams. Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured pace allrounder Mangesh Yadav for INR 5.2 crore, while wicketkeepers Tejasvi Dahiya, Mukul Choudhary, and Salil Arora, along with batter Akshat Raghuwanshi and fast bowler Naman Tiwari, all crossed or matched the INR 1 crore mark.
Auqib Nabi’s Consistency Rewards Him
Unlike some of the younger prospects, Auqib Nabi has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket. The 29-year-old fast bowler has delivered strong performances across formats and currently boasts an impressive record in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with 15 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate under eight. Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani highlighted Nabi’s all-round potential and credited the competitive bidding as proof of his quality.
Mangesh Yadav’s Promise Despite Limited Experience
Mangesh Yadav’s auction value surged despite his limited exposure to domestic T20 cricket. Having played only two matches at that level, he impressed scouts with his performances in the Madhya Pradesh Premier League. His bidding war between RCB and SRH ended at INR 5.2 crore, underlining how franchise teams are increasingly willing to invest in raw potential.
A New Era for Uncapped Indian Talent
The IPL 2026 auction marked a turning point for uncapped Indian players, with franchises showing unprecedented confidence in domestic scouting systems. For young cricketers like Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, the auction was not just a financial milestone but a life-changing opportunity that reflects the growing depth and promise of Indian cricket.
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