Chennai Super Kings are evaluating their roster ahead of the upcoming mini-auction in Goa on December 16, with 20-year-old all-rounder Prashant Veer potentially facing release. While the franchise has not finalized any retention decisions, the management is actively seeking to increase its available budget. Currently, CSK holds a remaining purse of Rs 2.4 crore, which will grow to Rs 7.4 crore following the annual Rs 5 crore salary cap increment. By offloading certain players, the team hopes to secure more financial flexibility, with reports suggesting they might attempt to re-acquire Veer at a lower valuation during the bidding process. And the CSK management may eventually decide to retain him, that is generally considered a reasonable return for a middle-order batter. It is, however, unlikely that the Super Kings will give up on Veer altogether. 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.
Veer, a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, was signed for INR 14.2 crore during the previous Abu Dhabi auction alongside fellow 20-year-old Kartik Sharma. 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.
Despite high expectations, Veer struggled to justify his price tag, managing only 90 runs across five innings in six matches without taking a single wicket. His highest contribution was a 43-run knock against RCB. In contrast, wicketkeeper-batter Sharma from Rajasthan performed more consistently, tallying 295 runs in 11 matches at an average of 32.77, with a high score of 71 against LSG. Although Sharma’s retention remains uncertain, the official stance from the franchise confirms that no definitive choices have been made regarding either player yet. No decision on retentions and releases have been taken, but as a CSK official said.
Separately, Punjab Kings have firmly rejected speculation that they intend to trade South African standout Marco Jansen. Although Jansen endured a challenging previous season—securing nine wickets in 12 matches at an average exceeding 50 and scoring only 51 runs—the franchise remains committed to him. Sources from within the Punjab camp dismissed the rumors, emphasizing his recent success as the Player of the Series in the Test matches against Australia. 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, who currently holds the top spot in the ICC Test rankings for both bowlers and all-rounders, recently earned high praise from former legend Dale Steyn. Last month, Steyn declared on social media that “Marco Jansen is currently the best cricketer in the world,” a sentiment supported by the player’s recent international form. Punjab Kings, who invested Rs 7 crore in Jansen during the 2025 mega auction, maintain that they have no plans to part ways with the South African star. Franchises are required to finalize and announce their official retention and release lists by November 15.
