New Delhi, April 4: The IPL 2026 mini auction has raised eyebrows, particularly regarding the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) strategy. Traditionally known for prioritizing experienced players, CSK took a bold step by focusing on youth during this auction, leading to a significant overhaul of their squad. However, after the first two matches of IPL 2026, questions are being raised about whether CSK made a miscalculation in their bidding choices.
In the mini auction, CSK acquired uncapped players Karthik Sharma (19 years old) and Prashant Veer (20 years old) for a hefty sum of ₹14.20 crore each. While both players have shown promise in domestic cricket, their relatively modest records have left many surprised at CSK’s willingness to invest so heavily in them. Prashant has taken 12 wickets and scored 118 runs in 9 T20 matches, while Karthik has scored 334 runs, including two half-centuries, in 12 T20 matches.
Despite their potential, the amount spent on these players has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. The CSK management and cricket enthusiasts were eager to see how Karthik and Prashant would perform in the tournament.
CSK’s first match on March 30 against Rajasthan Royals saw Karthik make his debut, where he scored 18 runs off 15 balls. Prashant did not get a chance to play in that match. In their second match against Punjab Kings on April 3, both players were given an opportunity. Karthik managed just 1 run off 3 balls, while Prashant scored 6 runs off 7 balls. Notably, Karthik is a wicketkeeper-batsman, while Prashant is a bowler who did not bowl in the match.
Given that this is the early stage of their IPL careers, it is premature to form a definitive opinion about their capabilities. However, their performances thus far have led to speculation that the investment made in them may be excessive.
This concern is further highlighted by the success of two other CSK players. Ayush Mhatre, who was acquired for just ₹30 lakh in IPL 2025, showcased his talent by scoring 73 runs off 43 balls against Punjab. Similarly, Sarfaraz Khan, who joined CSK for ₹75 lakh, scored 32 runs off just 12 balls in the same match.
The contrasting performances of Ayush and Sarfaraz compared to Karthik and Prashant have led to questions about whether CSK may have overpaid for the latter duo. The answers to these questions will likely become clearer in the upcoming matches.