New Delhi, 16 Dec

Mahendra Singh Dhoni was already an Indian star when Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma were still toddlers. Yet on Tuesday evening, the 44-year-old icon found himself sharing headlines with two youngsters after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) splurged Rs 28.40 crore on the pair at the IPL auction.

The 20-year-old left-arm spin all-rounder Veer and 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Kartik fetched a combined Rs 14.20 crore each, marking a rare big-ticket investment by CSK in largely untested Indian talent.

More than the money, the real prize for the duo is the chance to share a dressing room with Dhoni. Whether Kartik gets opportunities with Dhoni and Sanju Samson around, or Veer is groomed as a long-term successor to Ravindra Jadeja, remains to be seen. What is clear is a visible shift in CSK’s thinking.

Traditionally known for backing experienced, proven names, CSK have seldom spent heavily on raw domestic talent. The notable exception was Krishnappa Gowtham, a move that did not quite pay off. This time, however, nearly 60 per cent of the purse has gone into players who are very much works in progress.

The change coincides with a gradual transition of influence within the franchise. With Ruturaj Gaikwad taking on a bigger leadership role, CSK appear more open to future-focused planning rather than short-term certainty.

Role of data science

A key figure behind this shift is AR Srikkanth, CSK’s head of talent and player acquisitions. Formerly with Kolkata Knight Riders, Srikkanth is regarded as one of the sharpest scouts in the IPL ecosystem. If Veer and Kartik, who together have just 21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches, were picked at such prices, the franchise clearly sees long-term value.

Veer, a left-arm spinner and useful lower-order batter, is expected to develop under Dhoni’s mentorship and alongside competition such as West Indies’ Akeal Hosein. The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association’s decision to shuttle him across formats and age groups recently underlines his promise.

“I am happy to join CSK because MS Dhoni is there. There is so much to learn from him,” Veer said, adding that even a small learning curve would be invaluable.

Kartik, meanwhile, is known for his power-hitting, boasting a strike rate above 160. While immediate opportunities may be limited, his potential has already drawn attention from JSW, which signed him early in his career.

Training at Lokendra Chahar’s academy in Agra, Kartik has long been tipped for bigger stages. “He hits 100 sixes a day and trains for hours,” Lokendra said, backing the youngster’s rise.

Whether Veer and Kartik justify their price tags will unfold over time. For now, CSK’s move signals a clear departure from the ‘Dad’s Army’ tag, and a bold bet on Gen Z.