Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are poised for a strategic reset ahead of the IPL 2026 auction on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, and emerging Uttar Pradesh all-rounder Prashant Veer is drawing attention as a potential Ravindra Jadeja-style recruit. With CSK finishing last in the 2025 season and having traded Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals, the five-time champions are actively scouting domestic talents who can fill the balance-of-team void left by the legendary all-rounder.
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Rising Star From Uttar Pradesh: Prashant Veer’s Cricketing Journey
Prashant Veer, a 20-year-old left-handed batter and left-arm orthodox spinner from Uttar Pradesh, has steadily climbed the domestic ranks over the past few seasons. His cricketing journey began in age-group competitions, but it has been his remarkable performances in the domestic circuit—especially in high-tempo T20 environments—that turned heads among scouts and analysts.
The Uttar Pradesh all-rounder came into the spotlight with breakthrough performances in both U23 and senior domestic competitions. In the U23 State A Trophy 2025-26, Veer amassed 376 runs at an average close to 94, including multiple impactful innings, and backed up his batting with 18 wickets at an average around 18.77, showcasing his dual-threat capability with bat and ball. Even more noteworthy, he delivered these performances despite playing through an injury earlier in the season that required seven stitches, underlining his resilience and competitive spirit.
Veer’s batting is characterized by aggressive stroke-play in the lower middle order, often accelerating the scoreboard in critical death overs. On the bowling front, his left-arm spin offers control and variation, making him a useful option in T20 formats where spin often dictates middle overs. Reports have noted CSK’s interest in his balanced skill set, suggesting he may be exactly the type of domestic all-rounder the franchise needs to restore equilibrium to its squad.
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Breakout Performances That Put Prashant Veer on the IPL Radar
Veer’s ascent to IPL consideration has been methodical but impressive. In the UP T20 League 2025, he blasted 320 runs at an exceptional strike rate north of 150, striking fear into bowling attacks with his clean hitting and finishing ability. He also contributed eight wickets with the ball at an economy under seven, earning Emerging Player of the Season honours. His performances at U23 level earned him a call-up to Uttar Pradesh’s senior team for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26, where he made an immediate impact with a match-defining 37 off 10 balls and a three-wicket haul in a group stage fixture.
Off the field, Veer’s rapid progression has caught attention beyond Uttar Pradesh. He reportedly attended trials with CSK’s academy setup, an opportunity usually reserved for players on IPL franchise radars. Such exposure, combined with his strong domestic metrics, positions him as a candidate that franchises could take a calculated risk on come auction day.
CSK’s Strategic Need for a Jadeja-Type All-Rounder
CSK’s decision to trade Ravindra Jadeja has forced a re-evaluation of squad balance. Jadeja’s blend of middle-order stability, left-arm spin and elite fielding produced more than 2,190 runs and 143 wickets over his CSK tenure, making his absence acutely felt.
Ahead of the 2026 mini-auction, CSK’s retained players list reveals the franchise will field a markedly different roster from the one that dominated earlier in the decade. With Jadeja gone, and CSK in need of balance in both batting depth and spin options, they are reported to be seeking domestic all-rounders who can replicate aspects of Jadeja’s utility. Veer’s profile matches several of these requirements: left-arm spin proficiency, finishing power with the bat, and the energy to field across the park.
Despite the void left by Jadeja being hard to fill outright, Veer’s blend of skills and recent rise has placed him firmly in discussions as one of the domestic prospects capable of stepping into the breach. With 350 players—including 224 uncapped Indians—registered for the auction, opportunities abound for franchises willing to back domestic talent. Thirteen Uttar Pradesh players, including Veer and notable names such as Shivam Mavi and Kartik Tyagi, have been shortlisted for the auction, amplifying the state’s representation in the IPL talent pool.
What Lies Ahead: The IPL 2026 Auction
As IPL franchises finalize their strategies for the December 16 auction, the spotlight on emerging Indian talent is brighter than ever. Prashant Veer, with a season of standout domestic performances and versatility that mirrors the coveted Jadeja role, has crafted a narrative that could see him become one of the more talked-about uncapped names in Abu Dhabi.
Scouts, team analysts, and fans alike will be watching closely as bids begin, with Veer’s name sure to be one of interest when the gavel falls.
