In signing two uncapped players for a joint-record INR 14.2 crore each at the IPL 2026 player auction, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have marked an unambiguous breakaway from the "experience-first" philosophy that had defined them through the first 18 seasons of the tournament.

Uncapped stars Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer enter the history books after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bought both the players for Rs 14.20 crore each at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Kartik and Prashant are now the joint most expensive uncapped players in the history of the tournament.

CSK's tactics during the IPL trade window and IPL 2026 auction suggest that MS Dhoni is set to retire after IPL 2026

CSK's long-term planning is further demonstrated by young prospects like Anshul Kamboj, Urvil Patel, and Ayush Mhatre.

IPL 2026 auction saw record-breaking buys, with Cameron Green becoming the costliest overseas player and CSK paying top salaries for uncapped Indian stars.

A like-for-like replacement that CSK signed was in the form of 20-year-old Prashant Veer, a left-arm spinner and left-hander batter who can bat anywhere in the middle order. He also has raw power and excellent skills with the ball. However, it is Akeal Hosein's signing that will give the Super Kings the immediate replacement for Jadeja's bowling.

CSK Squad IPL 2026 - Check here the full Chennai Super Kings players list and full squad details along with slots for IPL 2026 on CricTracker.com

The accelerated round is underway, where Mustafizur Rahman, Rahul Tripathi and Jason Holder found takers for decent amounts. Cameron Green and Matheesha Pathirana are still the two costliest buys, but the surprise package were three uncapped Indians who enjoyed a field day.