Mumbai: The Indian Premier League auction has once again delivered a story that feels straight out of a movie. Prashant Veer, a little-known left-arm spinner from a small village near Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, became an overnight sensation after securing a ₹14.20 crore IPL contract, making him one of the highest-paid uncapped players in IPL history.
Until Tuesday, even many within Uttar Pradesh’s cricketing circles were unfamiliar with the 20-year-old all-rounder. By the end of the auction, he had become a national talking point.
From Modest Beginnings to IPL Stardom
Prashant’s journey is as remarkable as it is inspiring. His father, a school teacher, earns ₹12,000 per month, while the young cricketer’s early expenses were largely covered by his grandfather’s pension. Following his grandfather’s passing, Prashant continued to pursue his dream with limited resources but unwavering determination.
In recent months, he had been shuttling between Mumbai and Kolkata, representing Uttar Pradesh’s senior and Under-23 teams in overlapping domestic competitions—unaware that a life-changing moment awaited him.
From a village called Shahjipur, Prashant has now entered one of the world’s most-watched sports leagues, becoming a household name before even playing a single IPL match.
“It Felt Like a Dream”
The youngster struggled to process the moment as his name sparked a fierce bidding war at the auction.
“It felt like a dream,” Prashant told The Indian Express.
“I asked Rinku bhai (Singh) to pinch me. My family has never seen so much money. This will change things for good. What I do with the money will be decided by my family.”
His record fee was later matched by Kartik Sharma, but Prashant’s story stood out for its sheer improbability.
Why Chennai Super Kings Went Big
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were keen to add a left-arm orthodox spinner as cover for Ravindra Jadeja. With the largest purse remaining when Prashant’s name came up, CSK went all in, backing raw domestic talent over more established names.
CSK later bought Kartik Sharma for the same amount, while several experienced overseas spinners were signed for significantly less—highlighting the franchise’s faith in Prashant’s potential.
A Dream Move Under MS Dhoni
For Prashant, the destination made the moment even sweeter.
“I always wanted to play for CSK, especially under MS Dhoni,” he said.
“He bats lower down the order like me. I had wished that whenever the auction happens, I should go to CSK. God has answered my prayers.”
Tough Competition, But a Star Is Born
Breaking into CSK’s playing XI won’t be easy. The franchise boasts strong spin options, including Noor Ahmad, Rahul Chahar, Akeal Hosein, and experienced campaigner Shreyas Gopal.
However, selection battles can wait. For now, Prashant Veer has already achieved something extraordinary—becoming an IPL star before playing his first match.
