Questions arise over Chennai Super Kings' underutilization of Prashant Veer

New Delhi. Five-time IPL champion Chennai Super Kings spent heavily on young Uttar Pradesh all-rounder Prashant Veer ahead of IPL 2026.

The team acquired Prashant for 14.2 crore INR. Prashant Veer was viewed as a potential successor to Ravindra Jadeja, given his skills as a left-arm spinner. However, the way Chennai is utilizing him has now sparked debate. 

Chennai gave Prashant Veer an opportunity in two of their three matches in the ongoing IPL. He was in the playing XI against Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Yet, he was not given a single over to bowl. Chennai bought him as an all-rounder, but the team is using him solely as a batsman. This has raised questions regarding Chennai's strategy. 

One crore for Chennai

If Prashant's per-match salary is calculated based on the 14 group stage matches, Veer's salary per game is approximately 1.014 crore INR. He was purchased for both his bowling and batting skills. 

By this logic, Chennai is paying Prashant approximately 50.7 lakh INR per match for his bowling and an equal amount for his batting. This means that in the two matches Prashant played, Chennai incurred a loss equivalent to 1.014 crore INR because his bowling ability was not utilized. 

Prashant Veer is an excellent bowler

Prashant Veer has impressed everyone with his bowling in domestic cricket. He has played three first-class, eight List 'A', and 11 T20 matches in his career. He has taken 2 wickets in first-class cricket, 10 in List 'A', and 12 in T20s. In T20s, Prashant Veer has an economy rate of just 6.45, which is considered excellent. 

In such a situation, when Chennai bought Prashant as an all-rounder, a major question arises as to why he is not being allowed to bowl. If Prashant is fit and still not bowling, this strategy could prove very costly for Chennai.