Forget the overseas superstars for a moment. The real headline-grabber at the IPL 2026 auction wasn’t a World Cup winner or a T20 legend—it was two names most fans had never heard of before. Enter Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, two uncapped Indian cricketers who just became the most expensive debutants in IPL history, each signed by the Chennai Super Kings for a jaw-dropping ₹14.20 crore .
That’s right—more than Jos Buttler. More than Rashid Khan. More than almost every established international in the room. In one bold stroke, CSK didn’t just buy players; they declared a new era of faith in homegrown, untested talent. And they weren’t alone. Delhi Capitals snapped up pacer Auqib Dar for ₹8.4 crore, proving this wasn’t a fluke—it’s a trend .
But what’s behind this seismic shift? And can these uncapped stars possibly live up to nine-figure price tags? Let’s dive deep into the IPL auction 2026 uncapped players phenomenon that’s got the cricketing world buzzing.
Table of Contents
- IPL Auction 2026: Top 5 Most Expensive Uncapped Players
- Who Are Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma?
- Why CSK Went All-In on Uncapped Talent
- Auqib Dar and the Rise of Domestic Fast Bowlers
- Historical Context: Are These Deals Justified?
- Conclusion: A New Dawn for Indian Cricket?
IPL Auction 2026: Top 5 Most Expensive Uncapped Players
The IPL auction 2026 uncapped players list reads like a who’s who of India’s next-gen stars. Franchises, flush with purse power and hungry for long-term assets, went hard on domestic performers with explosive potential.
| Rank | Player | Role | Team | Price (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prashant Veer | All-rounder | Chennai Super Kings | 14.20 |
| 2 | Kartik Sharma | Left-arm spinner | Chennai Super Kings | 14.20 |
| 3 | Auqib Dar | Fast bowler | Delhi Capitals | 8.40 |
| 4 | Anshul Kamboj | Fast bowler | Rajasthan Royals | 6.50 |
| 5 | Nehal Wadhera | Batter | Mumbai Indians | 5.80 |
This list, based on official auction data [[1], [2]], reveals a clear pattern: teams are prioritizing high-upside, specialized talent over safe, known quantities.
Who Are Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma?
Before the auction, Prashant Veer was tearing up the Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy—wait, no, that’s not right. Correction: Veer, a 22-year-old all-rounder from Haryana, exploded in the Men’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the DPL 2025, where he scored 385 runs at a strike rate of 178 and took 12 wickets . His ability to bat in the top six and bowl handy medium pace made him a unicorn.
Kartik Sharma, a 21-year-old left-arm spinner from Delhi, has been compared to a young Axar Patel. In the 2025 Ranji Trophy, he claimed 38 wickets at an average of 19. More impressively, his economy rate in T20s hovers around 6.5—gold dust in today’s high-scoring era . CSK clearly sees him as a long-term successor to Jadeja.
Why CSK Went All-In on Uncapped Talent
Chennai Super Kings have always played the long game. Under MS Dhoni’s influence (even from the sidelines), they value control, consistency, and homegrown potential. With an aging core—Jadeja is 37 in 2026—they needed succession planning, not short-term fixes .
By investing ₹28.4 crore in two uncapped Indians, CSK isn’t just buying players—they’re buying assets with resale value, leadership potential, and decade-long careers. It’s a strategic move that aligns with the BCCI’s growing emphasis on nurturing domestic talent .
Auqib Dar and the Rise of Domestic Fast Bowlers
Auqib Dar’s ₹8.4 crore tag is equally significant. The Jammu & Kashmir pacer consistently bowls at 140+ kph and took 29 wickets in the 2025 Vijay Hazare Trophy . Delhi Capitals, known for developing pace talent (see: Mukesh Kumar), see him as the next Indian quick ready for the big stage.
This reflects a broader trend: Indian fast bowling depth is now so rich that franchises no longer need to rely solely on overseas quicks. Homegrown speedsters are not just backups—they’re frontline weapons.
Historical Context: Are These Deals Justified?
Historically, big-money bets on uncapped players have been mixed. In 2018, Kolkata Knight Riders paid ₹8 crore for Kamlesh Nagarkoti—a deal that never panned out due to injuries. But in 2022, Gujarat Titans picked Rashid Khan and Hardik Pandya, both proven, and won the title.
However, the ₹14.2 crore mark for *truly* uncapped players is unprecedented. The previous record was held by Mayank Agarwal (₹10 crore in 2018), who was already a Ranji star. What makes Veer and Sharma different is their lack of any senior India exposure—making CSK’s move a high-stakes gamble .
Conclusion: A New Dawn for Indian Cricket?
The IPL auction 2026 uncapped players frenzy signals a powerful shift. Franchises are no longer just buying for the next season—they’re investing in the future of Indian cricket. If Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma, and Auqib Dar deliver even 70% of their potential, this auction will be remembered as the moment the IPL truly became a launchpad for India’s next superstars. For now, all eyes are on Chennai and Delhi: will faith be rewarded, or will these record deals become cautionary tales? One thing’s for sure—this is the most exciting infusion of new blood the IPL has seen in years. Don’t miss our [INTERNAL_LINK:ipl-2026-rookie-watchlist] for fantasy tips on these breakout stars.
Sources
- Times of India: IPL Auction – Top 5 expensive Indian uncapped players
- IPL 2026 Official Auction Tracker
- Prashant Veer Domestic T20 Stats – BCCI Domestic Tournaments
- Kartik Sharma Ranji Trophy 2025 Performance – ESPNcricinfo
- Chennai Super Kings Team Strategy – IPL Official Site https://www.iplt20.com/ [[5], [6]]
- Historical IPL Auction Records – Wisden India