Prashant Veer
Prashant Veer was acquired by CSK for Rs14.20 crore during the auction. (Credits :"X")

Overview:

This all-round display earned him Player of the Tournament, further enhancing his reputation as a key match-winner in domestic cricket. It remains to be seen, though, if he will recover in time for the upcoming IPL season.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been hit with a major setback ahead of IPL 2026, as their 14.20 crore signing, Prashant Veer, has been sidelined due to an injury. The five-time IPL champions had made a significant investment in the young, uncapped Uttar Pradesh all-rounder, acquiring him for a hefty amount at the mini-auction.

The all-rounder was among the highest-paid uncapped players in IPL auction history, alongside Kartik Sharma. He picked up a major injury while playing for Uttar Pradesh in their Ranji Trophy fixture against Jharkhand.

Veer suffered a shoulder injury while fielding before lunch and was replaced by Shivam Sharma in the playing XI as a Serious Injury Replacement, as per the new BCCI regulations for domestic cricket. While the specifics of the injury are still unconfirmed, ESPNcricinfo indicates he will be out of action for at least three weeks.

This setback could impact CSK’s preparations for the new season, as Veer was signed to fill the gap left by Ravindra Jadeja, who was traded to Rajasthan Royals. Veer’s meteoric rise in domestic cricket has seen him emerge as one of India’s most exciting young prospects.

Prashant Veer’s Journey

Prashant Veer gained recognition in the domestic circuit through consistent performances in age-group and senior competitions. Representing Uttar Pradesh and Noida Super Kings in the UP T20 League, he stood out with his all-round abilities. In the 2025 season, he scored 320 runs at a strike rate of 155, including three half-centuries, demonstrating his knack for finishing innings powerfully.

His performance in the 2025–26 Men’s U-23 State A Trophy caught the eye, as he scored 376 runs in seven matches at an impressive average of 94, with 19 sixes and 32 fours. He also took 18 wickets at an economy rate of 5.36. This all-round display earned him Player of the Tournament, further enhancing his reputation as a key match-winner in domestic cricket. It remains to be seen, though, if he will recover in time for the upcoming IPL season.

V M Suriya Narayanan is a passionate cricket writer who has been following the game since 2007. With a background in Civil Engineering (B.E.), he blends analytical thinking with a deep understanding of...