Mahendra Singh Dhoni was already an established India great when Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma were still toddlers. The legend of ‘Captain Cool’ was being shaped in the early years of the IPL while the two youngsters were growing up watching him on television.

Fast forward to Tuesday evening in Abu Dhabi, and the 20-year-old left-arm spin all-rounder Veer and 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Kartik found themselves etched into IPL history. Chennai Super Kings stunned the auction by spending a combined ₹28.40 crore, picking up both players for ₹14.20 crore each, offering them not just financial security but the chance of a lifetime, sharing a dressing room with Dhoni.

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Whether Kartik will get opportunities behind the stumps with Dhoni and Sanju Samson around, or if Veer can be groomed as a long-term successor to Ravindra Jadeja, remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that CSK have signalled a shift in philosophy. With Ruturaj Gaikwad set to play a bigger leadership role, the franchise appears to be planning beyond the Dhoni era.

Historically, CSK have preferred proven performers over raw Indian talent, rarely splurging on untested domestic players. The notable exception came years ago with Krishnappa Gowtham. This time, however, nearly 60 percent of their purse has been invested in two players with limited senior T20 experience — a move that underlines a clear change in mindset.

Much of this shift can be attributed to A.R. Srikkanth, CSK’s head of talent and player acquisitions. A respected scout with a proven track record, Srikkanth’s backing suggests there is more to Veer and Kartik than just promise. Between them, they have played only 21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy games, but CSK clearly see long-term value.

Veer, a left-arm spinner who can contribute with the bat, has already impressed domestic circuits. His hectic schedule — shuttling across the country for SMAT and U-23 matches — reflects how highly he is rated. At CSK, under Dhoni’s mentorship and with competition from Akeal Hosein, he is expected to grow steadily.

“I’m happy to be joining Chennai Super Kings because MS Dhoni is there,” Veer said. “The way he thinks, bats under pressure, controls his body and stays focused, there is so much to learn. Even if I learn five per cent from him, it will be huge.”

Kartik, meanwhile, has built a reputation as a fearless hitter, boasting a strike rate north of 160. Though immediate opportunities may be limited, his talent has been recognised early, witha leading sports management firm JSW backing him even before his IPL breakthrough.

Training at Deepak Chahar’s father, Lokendra’,s academy in Agra, Kartik’s rise has been years in the making. “He hits 100 sixes a day and trains for hours,” Lokendra said. “This deal proves I have an eye for talent.”

Whether Veer and Kartik live up to their massive price tags will be revealed in time. For now, they have earned the moment and the privilege of learning alongside one of cricket’s greatest icons.

(By PTI Inputs)