Who are Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer – the costliest uncapped buys?

The IPL 2026 auction highlighted franchises' aggressive investment in domestic potential, with uncapped players drawing big bids. Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer emerged as the joint costliest uncapped buys, while Auqib Nabi's sustained domestic dominance also earned him a significant payday.

Kartik Sharma

Role: Wicketkeeper-batter (right-handed, middle order)
Bought by: Chennai Super Kings for INR 14.2 Crore

A 19-year-old batter from Rajasthan, Kartik Sharma became the joint-highest uncapped buy. He scored a century on debut in the Ranji Trophy against Uttarakhand and has been a consistent performer.

He was Rajasthan's highest run-getter in the previous Vijay Hazare Trophy with 445 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 118.03. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), he has 334 runs in 11 innings across two seasons, striking at 162.92. He also impressed in the 2024 Sher-e-Punjab T20, scoring 457 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 168.01.

Prashant Veer

Role: All-rounder (left-handed bat, slow left-arm, lower-middle order)
Bought by: Chennai Super Kings for INR 14.2 Crore

An economical left-arm spinner who can contribute reliably with the bat, Prashant Veer is a promising all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh. He had a strong UPT20 season, scoring 320 runs and taking eight wickets in 10 matches, striking at 155.34. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored 112 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 169.69.

Comfortable scoring all around the ground, Veer offers flexibility through the middle overs. His ability to strike big with the bat while offering control with the ball fits the flexible squad role franchises seek.

Auqib Nabi

Role: Bowler (right-arm fast, new-ball bowler)
Bought by: Delhi Capitals for INR 8.4 Crore

The 29-year-old right-arm swing bowler from Jammu & Kashmir has emerged as one of India's most consistent domestic pacers. In the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, he took 29 wickets in five matches at an average of 13.27, including a best of 7/24, and was the second-highest wicket-taker early in the season.

Nabi's ability to move the ball both ways, coupled with multiple five-wicket hauls in first-class cricket and 15 wickets in seven SMAT matches, caught IPL scouts' attention. His accuracy makes him a potential powerplay specialist, with 17 wickets at an average of 14.06 and an economy of 5.69 in the powerplay. He is also an option for the death, having taken 14 wickets at 22.71 with an economy of 10.2.

Tejasvi Dahiya

Role: Wicketkeeper (right-handed bat, middle-order dasher)
Bought by: Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 3 Crore

A 23-year-old wicketkeeper from Delhi, Tejasvi Dahiya is a capable striker in the middle order. He made a mark in this year's Delhi Premier League, scoring 339 runs at an average of 48.43 and a strike rate of 190.45, hitting 29 sixes in 10 innings (second most in the tournament). He made his T20 debut for Delhi in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring a maiden fifty against Karnataka in a winning effort.