The IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi delivered its usual mix of surprises, but perhaps the most talked-about narrative was the high-stakes chess match played out between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) CEO, Kavya Maran, and the strategic team of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Maran’s aggressive, almost calculated counter-bidding for two specific uncapped players forced CSK to splurge a record-breaking ₹28.40 crore for their targets, effectively draining a significant portion of their available auction purse.
The uncapped million-dollar duo
The focus of the financial slugfest was the acquisition of two promising uncapped Indian talents – Prashant Veer (All-rounder/Left-arm Spinner) and Kartik Sharma (Wicketkeeper-Batter).
CSK were determined to secure both players, seeing them as integral parts of their long-term vision to build a youthful core. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad were equally determined to make them pay for it.
The Prashant Veer bidding war
The bidding for Prashant Veer, the 20-year-old left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, was the first sign of the impending financial storm. Starting from a modest base price, the bids quickly accelerated past the ₹5 crore mark. When CSK entered the fray, SRH (led by Kavya Maran) went head-to-head with them, pushing the price relentlessly.
SRH’s persistent escalation forced the Super Kings to dig deep, ultimately sealing the deal at an astonishing ₹14.20 crore. This bid instantly smashed the record for the most expensive uncapped player in IPL history.
The Kartik Sharma echo
The déjà vu was palpable when uncapped Rajasthan wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma came under the hammer. Once again, after initial interest from other franchises (including KKR and LSG), CSK showed their intent. Following their proven strategy, SRH jumped in late, driving up the price with surgical precision.
The contest culminated in CSK securing Kartik Sharma for the exact same amount: ₹14.20 crore. In a single auction, CSK had spent ₹28.40 crore on two domestic players, making Veer and Sharma joint-holders of the all-time uncapped player record.
Kavya Maran’s psychological warfare in the auction room
Maran’s involvement in the bidding for the two uncapped players stood out as a masterclass in auction-day strategy. Representing SRH, a franchise well known for its sharp auction instincts, Maran astutely identified CSK’s urgency to secure versatile Indian talent—especially with the need to plan for a long-term replacement for Ravindra Jadeja following his move to Rajasthan Royals. By deliberately pushing the bids well beyond the players’ realistic market value and then stepping away at the right moment, Maran ensured CSK paid a premium. The move didn’t just disrupt CSK’s plans; it significantly dented their purse, restricting their flexibility later in the auction and underlining SRH’s tactical brilliance under Maran’s leadership.
