With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirming the deadline for all teams to announce their retention lists, discussions around CSK's squad composition have gained momentum. Releasing either player could help the franchise increase its available purse and create room to acquire additional players at the upcoming auction.
Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma were considered emerging stars when CSK secured their services during the 2026 IPL auction. However, their performances in the previous season have reportedly prompted the franchise to reconsider its investment.
Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma Cost CSK Rs 28.40 Crore
Chennai Super Kings purchased Prashant Veer for Rs 14.20 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. The player, who had a base price of just Rs 30 lakh, attracted bidding interest from multiple franchises.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Mumbai Indians (MI) initially entered the bidding war. CSK and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) subsequently joined the contest, pushing the price into crores.
Sunrisers Hyderabad placed the final bid at Rs 14 crore before CSK secured Prashant Veer for Rs 14.20 crore.
The player, who hails from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, featured in six matches for CSK during the previous season. He scored 90 runs and failed to take a wicket.
His performance has reportedly fallen short of the expectations associated with his auction price, prompting discussions about a possible release ahead of the next season.
Kartik Sharma's Performance Also Under Scrutiny
Kartik Sharma was another expensive acquisition for CSK at the 2026 auction. His bidding also began at a base price of Rs 30 lakh.
Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants initially competed for the player before Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and CSK entered the bidding war. Sunrisers Hyderabad subsequently joined the contest.
SRH placed the final bid at Rs 14 crore, but CSK secured Kartik Sharma for Rs 14.20 crore.
Kartik played 11 matches for the franchise during the previous season, scoring 295 runs.
Despite his contribution, the franchise reportedly did not receive the kind of return expected from a player acquired at such a high price. His performance, along with the team's limited auction purse, has brought his future at CSK into focus.
CSK Have Only Rs 2.4 Crore Remaining in Their Purse
CSK spent Rs 28.40 crore on the two players, leaving the franchise with only Rs 2.4 crore in its current purse.
Even if the purse increases by Rs 5 crore this year, the team's available amount would rise to approximately Rs 7.4 crore.
This could significantly limit CSK's ability to compete for players at the upcoming auction, particularly when other franchises are expected to have more money available.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, CSK are considering releasing one of the two players to increase their available purse.
The franchise could potentially bring the released player back at a lower price during the auction, provided the bidding situation allows it.
Such a move would give CSK additional financial flexibility while allowing the team to reassess its squad requirements for the next season.
IPL 2027 Auction Scheduled for December 16, Retention Deadline November 15
The IPL 2027 auction is scheduled to take place on December 16.
All 10 franchises have been asked to submit their retention and release lists by November 15, making the coming days crucial for teams finalising their squads.
CSK and the other franchises will have to decide which players to retain and which to release before the deadline.
The decisions will determine the available purse for the auction and the players each team can pursue when bidding begins.
With CSK reportedly considering changes involving two of its most expensive acquisitions, the franchise's retention list on November 15 will be closely watched.
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