A major shake-up in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad is on the cards ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction in December. They are reportedly looking at releasing one of their two expensive young signings, Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, who were signed for a massive INR 14.2 crore each.

They were expected to bring fresh energy to the five-time champions, but their different performances might force the franchise to take a big call. Kartik has managed to make a stronger case for himself, but Prashant Veer could find himself in danger ahead of the mini auction.

Prashant Veer fails to justify INR 14.2 Crore price tag in IPL 2026

Prashant Veer was one of the most talked-about young players at the IPL 2026 auction. CSK showed massive faith in the 20-year-old Uttar Pradesh all-rounder by spending INR 14.2 crore on him. However, Veer’s first season was not as impressive as expected.

The left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder has played six matches and scored only 90 runs in five innings. More importantly, he could not pick up even a single wicket. His top score was 43 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

These numbers have raised questions about whether CSK should continue investing such a huge amount in Veer. Although he is still young and has plenty of time to improve, the franchise may prefer to use that money to strengthen other areas of its squad. Amid this, Jacob Duffy calls Virat Kohli a “religious figure” in India, praises his humility.

Kartik Sharma's IPL 2026 performance gives CSK a reason to retain him

Meanwhile, Kartik Sharma has given CSK a better reason to retain him. The 20-year-old Rajasthan wicketkeeper-batter finished the season with 295 runs from 11 matches at an average of 32.77. He also played an impressive knock of 71 runs against the Lucknow Super Giants.

His contribution with the bat as a middle-order batter is likely to work in his favor. However, the Chennai Super Kings have not taken any final call on either Kartik or Prashant Veer’s future. The franchise could still surprise everyone with its retention decisions.

Why CSK could release INR 14.2 crore Prashant Veer ahead of IPL 2027 Auction

Interestingly, releasing Prashant Veer may not mean that Chennai Super Kings have lost faith in his potential. The franchise could simply be looking at a different auction strategy.

The management reportedly wants to increase its spending power before the IPL 2027 mini-auction in Goa on December 16. CSK currently has INR 2.4 crore left in their purse. Following the INR 5 crore annual increase in the salary cap, their available purse is expected to reach INR 7.4 crore. Amid this, Bhuvneshwar Kumar to be dropped from India T20I squad after New Zealand series?

Additionally, CSK could release Veer, enter the auction with more money and then attempt to sign him again at a lower price. The franchises have until November 15 to finalize their retained and released players for the next edition of the tournament.

PBKS refuse to release Marco Jansen despite poor IPL 2026 season

It is also being said that Punjab Kings have reportedly made their position clear regarding Marco Jansen. Despite rumours of a possible trade, PBKS has no plans to release the South African all-rounder. Jansen had a forgettable IPL campaign last season.

Jansen managed only nine wickets in 12 matches, with his economy rate going beyond 10 and his bowling average crossing 50. His batting numbers were equally disappointing, as he managed only 51 runs in five innings. However, the Proteas star’s recent performances have given him a major boost.

Jansen was named Player of the Series after South Africa's recently concluded three-Test series against Australia. He has also climbed to the No. 1 position in the ICC Test rankings for both bowlers and all-rounders, which might work in his favor ahead of the IPL retentions.