Exciting New Signings for CSK: Prashant Veer and Karthik Sharma Join Under MS Dhoni
New Signings Create Buzz in IPL 2026
New Delhi, December 16: The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made headlines by acquiring two uncapped Indian players, Prashant Veer and Karthik Sharma, during the IPL 2026 auction. Both players expressed their enthusiasm about the opportunity to play alongside the legendary MS Dhoni.
During the auction held in Abu Dhabi, both Veer and Sharma were signed for a staggering Rs 14.20 crores each, making them the joint-most-expensive uncapped Indian players in IPL history.
In an interview on JioStar's 'Match Centre Live Auction 2026', Veer, who showcased his skills as a finisher in the 2025/26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, shared, “Joining CSK is a dream come true, especially with MS Dhoni in the team. His approach to batting in the lower order and his focus are truly inspiring. If I can absorb even a fraction of his knowledge, it will greatly benefit my game.”
Karthik Sharma also shared his joy in a video on ESPNCricinfo and Star Sports, stating, “My family is overjoyed; they were dancing with excitement. I was so overwhelmed that I cried during the bidding process. The thought of playing under MS Dhoni is exhilarating.”
Prashant, an all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, attracted significant attention during the auction, with a fierce bidding war involving teams like Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians, and others. Ultimately, CSK secured him after a competitive bidding process.
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Prashant demonstrated his talent by scoring 112 runs in six innings, averaging over 37 with a strike rate exceeding 170, and achieving a top score of 40*. He also claimed nine wickets in seven matches, averaging around 18.
The bidding for Karthik Sharma began at Rs 30 lakh, with Mumbai Indians initiating the competition. As the bids escalated, Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants joined in, pushing the price to Rs 5 crore. CSK eventually secured Sharma for Rs 14.20 crore after a final bid from Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Karthik, a promising wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan, has played 12 T20 matches, scoring 334 runs at an average of 30.36 and a strike rate of 162.92, including two half-centuries. In the Ranji Trophy, he has made a mark with 331 runs in five matches, boasting an impressive average of 55.16, featuring two centuries.