Chennai Super Kings are considering releasing 20-year-old all-rounder Prashant Veer to increase their available funds ahead of the December 16 auction in Goa. Veer, who was signed for INR 14.2 crore alongside wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma at the previous Abu Dhabi auction, struggled to justify the high investment. The Uttar Pradesh left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder managed 90 runs across five innings in six matches, with a top score of 43 against RCB, and failed to claim any wickets. But Prashant Veer, the 20-year-old all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, who was bought amid considerable anticipation and expectation, appears more likely to face the axe, it would not be surprising if Kartik Sharma also gets the boot. It is, however, unlikely that the Super Kings will give up on Veer altogether. Of course, whether the Test rankings carry any relevance in the T20 format is a point to ponder.
While Kartik Sharma, also 20, produced a stronger performance with 295 runs in 11 matches at an average of 32.77—including a high score of 71 against LSG—the team remains undecided on his future.
A CSK official clarified that no final determinations on retentions or releases have been finalized yet. The franchise currently holds a purse of Rs 2.4 crore, which is set to rise to Rs 7.4 crore following the annual Rs 5 crore salary cap increase. By releasing players, the management, led by coach Zaheer Khan, aims to improve their financial standing to potentially re-acquire players like Veer at a lower price. And the CSK management may eventually decide to retain him, that is generally considered a reasonable return for a middle-order batter. It is understood that the franchise wants to free up funds for the December 16 auction and there is a possibility that the Zaheer Khan-coached side could release him and then attempt to buy him back at a lower price.
Teams have until November 15 to confirm their official retention and release lists. While speculation surrounds CSK’s roster, Punjab Kings have firmly denied reports that they plan to trade South African standout Marco Jansen. Despite an underwhelming last season where he took nine wickets at an economy over 10 and scored 51 runs in five innings, the franchise has no intention of moving him. Taking nine wickets in 12 matches at an economy rate of over 10 and an average of more than 50, jansen had an underwhelming season last year. With the bat, he managed just 51 runs in five innings, hardly impressive returns.
Jansen’s value has surged following his dominant display in the recent Test series against Australia, where he earned Player of the Series honors. Currently ranked as the world’s top bowler and all-rounder in the ICC Test charts, he continues to receive high praise from peers. Dale Steyn notably backed the 25-year-old on social media last month, declaring, “Marco Jansen is currently the best cricketer in the world.” PBKS acquired Jansen for Rs 7 crore during the 2025 mega auction and remains committed to the star performer. His recent exploits in international cricket should strengthen his cause. He is the world’s No 1 bowler and all-rounder as per ICC Test charts, for the record.
