Just before the IPL 2026 auction, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made headlines by investing a whopping ₹28.4 crore for two players: Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer. The anticipation was high, especially after CSK secured Prashant Veer for ₹14.20 crore.
However, the excitement quickly turned to concern when Veer suffered a Grade 2 shoulder tear in late January, impacting his performance. In his IPL debut, he managed to score only 6 runs from 7 balls, and alarmingly, he did not bowl in the two games he participated in.
As the season progressed, it became clear that CSK’s investment in Veer and Sharma was not yielding the expected returns. While Sarfaraz Khan, signed for ₹75 lakh, produced a final impact score of 147.92, the duo of Veer and Sharma combined for a mere 78.77.
The financial implications are significant. CSK faced a shortfall of roughly ₹1.98 crore from one match alone, raising questions about their strategy. Sarfaraz Khan’s earnings per match stand at around ₹5.36 lakh, while Veer and Sharma earn over ₹1 crore each.
In a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Prashant Veer contributed a final score of 48.17, but his overall performance has been underwhelming. Kartik Sharma also struggled, scoring just 1 run in a match against Punjab Kings.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding why Prashant Veer is not bowling for CSK; it may be due to his shoulder injury. As the season continues, fans and analysts alike are left wondering if CSK’s hefty investment will pay off or if it will become a costly mistake.
With the IPL season in full swing, the pressure is mounting on Prashant Veer to deliver. His performance will be crucial for CSK’s chances moving forward.
For now, the team and its supporters await a turnaround from Veer, hoping that he can overcome his injury and contribute significantly to the squad.
