IPL 2027 auction: Why Chennai Super Kings could release all-rounder Prashant Veer - Explained

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are actively weighing their retention and release strategies ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 mini-auction, and all-rounder Prashant Veer appears to be at the center of their tactical recalibration.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the five-time champions CSK are strongly considering parting ways with the uncapped cricketer after just a single season under the yellow jersey.  

Veer, who commanded an eye-popping Rs 14.2 crore bid at the previous auction, has emerged as a prime candidate for release as the franchise looks to free up funds and resolve structural gaps in its squad.  

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Background: The Rs 14.2 Cr Signing & Underwhelming Performance

At the previous IPL auction in Abu Dhabi, CSK bought two uncapped players for a record Rs 14.2 crore each: left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Prashant Veer from Uttar Pradesh and wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma from Rajasthan.  

Veer was signed amid high expectations as a potential long-term option in the all-rounder department in the aftermath of major squad changes involving Ravindra Jadeja. He became one of the most expensive uncapped players in IPL history.

However, Veer struggled to justify the big price tag in his debut season. He scored just 90 runs in six matches (five innings), with a highest score of 43 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). With the ball, the left-arm orthodox spinner bowled only two overs and took zero wickets.⁠

In contrast, Kartik Sharma had a more productive campaign, scoring 295 runs in 11 matches at an average of 32.77 (highest 71 against Lucknow Super Giants). This has strengthened Sharma’s case for retention, while the perception is that Veer did not deliver value for money.⁠

Why CSK Want To Release Veer

CSK currently have only Rs 2.4 crore left in their purse. With the annual Rs 5 crore salary-cap increment, this will rise to Rs 7.4 crore. Releasing Veer (and potentially other players) would significantly boost their auction budget - potentially taking it above Rs 20 crore - for the mini-auction in Goa on December 16.⁠Cricbuzz

A CSK official told Cricbuzz that no final decision on retentions and releases has been taken yet. Franchises have until November 15 to submit their lists.

The 'Buy-Back' Strategy

Releasing Veer does not necessarily mean CSK are closing the door on him permanently. As mentioned in the Cricbuzz report, one viable option under discussion is to release the player to reset his valuation on the auction floor.  

If market conditions allow, CSK could look to reacquire Veer at a far more manageable price bracket during the December mini-auction in Goa, retaining a player in whom they originally saw developmental upside while freeing up much-needed funds to patch up their primary weaknesses.  

With franchises required to submit their finalized retention and release lists by November 15, CSK's final call on Veer will serve as the opening move in what is shaping up to be an aggressive squad makeover.