The IPL 2026 mini-auction witnessed an unprecedented surge in the value of domestic Indian talent, culminating in a historic moment where two uncapped players were bought by the same franchise for the same record-breaking price.

Wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma of Rajasthan became the second player in the auction to be purchased for a mammoth ₹14.20 crore by Chennai Super Kings (CSK), joining all-rounder Prashant Veer at the pinnacle of the uncapped player salary list. Starting from a base price of ₹30 lakh, the 19-year-old sparked a prolonged bidding war, primarily with Kolkata Knight Riders, before Sunrisers Hyderabad‘s late challenge was overcome by CSK, who showed a clear, aggressive strategy to build their Indian core.

Prashant Veer becomes most expensive uncapped IPL player

The bidding for Prashant was one of the most unexpected and explosive moments of the IPL 2026 auction, immediately grabbing attention as multiple teams recognized his potential. The fierce bidding started low, with Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) initially raising the paddle.

However, the real fireworks began when CSK entered the race, closely followed by Rajasthan Royals (RR), pushing the bid past the ₹6 crore mark. The battle then became a high-octane war of attrition between CSK and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Both franchises were relentless, driving the price past the previous uncapped record of ₹10 crore (held by Avesh Khan in 2022) and into the territory of established international players.

CSK and SRH exchanged bids over 40 times, with the price increasing ₹20 lakh at a time. The bid crossed ₹10 crore, then ₹12 crore, and finally ₹14 crore. SRH made the penultimate bid of ₹14.00 crore, but CSK responded with the final, successful bid of ₹14.20 crore, making Prashant Veer the most expensive uncapped player ever sold in an IPL auction.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Fans go wild as Cameron Green becomes the most expensive overseas player in league’s history

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) buys potential successor to Ravindra Jadeja

Chennai’s aggressive pursuit of Prashant for ₹14.20 crore is a clear strategic move to fill the void created by the departure of veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in the previous retention window. Prashant Veer’s profile perfectly fits the “next Jadeja” template for the franchise: a left-handed bat who can stabilize the middle-to-lower order and a left-arm orthodox spinner capable of delivering crucial middle-overs breakthroughs at the spin-friendly Chepauk stadium. His recent domestic form, which catapulted him into the auction spotlight, justified CSK’s massive investment.

His key performances highlighted his high-impact potential:

• Strikes at 167 in T20s, confirming his ability to provide explosive finishing power.
• He scored 320 runs and took 8 wickets across 10  matches in the UPT20 League 2025, demonstrating his genuine all-round utility.
• He offers flexibility through the middle overs, which is exactly what CSK requires to maintain momentum after the powerplay.

Here’s how fans reacted: 

There isn’t a bigger pivot in IPL history than CSK moving from tried and tested experienced players to the untested-promising youth. Prashant Veer and now, Kartik Sharma.

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 16, 2025

Cue hectic google searches for Prashant Veer

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 16, 2025

Prashant Veer is the best indian number 8 we have in the market, except for the price tag an awesome buy.

— TravisBickle (@TravisbickleCSK) December 16, 2025

Entering the world of yellove and how?🥳🔥
Prashant Veer, the most expensive uncapped player in the IPL!📈📈#WhistlePodu #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/OwJY0FhoZK

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 16, 2025

The most expensive uncapped player in the IPL HISTORY! Prashant Veer is SOLD to Chennai Super Kings for a whopping INR 14.20 Cr#IPL #csk #IPLAuction #chennaisuperkings #ipl2026 pic.twitter.com/Aa0BbbgY3w

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 16, 2025

The record-breaking battle for Kartik Sharma to become joint most expensive uncapped player

The bidding for the uncapped wicketkeeper-batter, Kartik , was one of the most extended and aggressive duels of the IPL 2026 auction, concluding with him being secured by the Chennai for a historic ₹14.20 crore, tying the record for the most expensive uncapped player ever. Starting from his modest base price of ₹30 lakh, the 19-year-old immediately attracted early interest from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). LSG eventually backed out at ₹2.60 crore, but KKR, who had already made record buys earlier in the auction—, hen went head-to-head with CSK.

This rivalry turned into a war of attrition, with both franchises relentlessly pushing the price up ₹20 lakh at a time. The bid quickly soared past the ₹5 crore mark and continued its upward trajectory, crossing the significant ₹10 crore threshold and then reaching ₹12.80 crore, with KKR still challenging CSK. In a late, decisive move, SRH entered the fray, showing their intent by driving the price to ₹14.00 crore. However, CSK were determined to land the high-impact WK-batter, placing the final, winning bid of ₹14.20 crore. This spectacular acquisition showcased CSK’s firm commitment to investing heavily in domestic talent, viewing Kartik Sharma as a vital, long-term asset to fortify their batting and wicketkeeping options.

The significance of the ₹14.20 crore bid for Kartik Sharma

The successful bid for Kartik at ₹14.20 crore cemented the Chennai Super Kings’ aggressive auction strategy focused on securing top-tier Indian talent for the future.

• Joint Uncapped Record: By matching the price paid for Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma became the joint most expensive uncapped player in IPL history, a massive endorsement of his raw talent and proven domestic T20 strike rate of 167.
• Wicketkeeper-Batter Premium: His ability to keep wickets while providing explosive middle-order batting (evident from his 334 runs in 11 SMAT innings) made him a two-in-one package. This versatility is highly valued by IPL franchises looking to maximize their Indian slots.
• CSK’s Future Core: The relentless bidding against KKR and SRH highlights that CSK viewed Kartik as a crucial part of their long-term plans, especially in the post-Dhoni era, where they require a reliable, high-impact domestic WK-Batter.

Here’s how fans reacted: 

Kartik Sharma at Chepauk.#IPL2026Auction

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 16, 2025

The good point about this Karthik Sharma is he can play lofts through the covers without really charging down the deck.

Enough of modern-day batters have great bat-speed to hoick across the line, alongside playing a few innovative shots. But at the highest level, it may not be…

— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) December 16, 2025

Kartik Sharma, 19 years old from Rajasthan. Big-hitting wicketkeeper-bat, who has struck at 160+ in this SMAT 2025-26 so far. Bats at 4/5. And keeps wickets. You can see why teams would be eager to grab him.

CSK get him for 14.20 crore, same price as Prashant Veer. #IPLAuction

— Saurabh Somani (@saurabh_42) December 16, 2025

Kartik Sharma is a solid 15 year investment for CSK not taking his price tag into consideration since it is a mini auction.

— Sujith V (@Sujith1727) December 16, 2025

I really hope we don’t use Kartik and Prashant like we did with Rizvi and give them a proper role in the XII and guide them along the way. Both are 19 & 20 year olds who are going to play in the toughest roles for a cricketer in the highest level.

— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) December 16, 2025

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Fans cheer as KKR’s late move bags Matheesha Pathirana after an intense bidding war between LSG and DC

Venkatesh Iyer (Image credit: BCCI)

India all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer experienced a dramatic swing in fortunes at the IPL 2026 auction on Tuesday as Royal Challengers Bengaluru outbid Kolkata Knight Riders in a fierce contest to secure his services. Iyer, who had commanded a massive Rs 23.75 crore at last year’s mega auction in Jeddah, was bought for Rs 7 crore this time around, amounting to a sharp 71 per cent pay cut.The bidding for the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder began cautiously. For a brief moment, there was genuine suspense in the auction room as Iyer attracted no immediate interest, raising the possibility of him going unsold. Lucknow Super Giants eventually broke the deadlock by raising the paddle, with Gujarat Titans briefly joining the race. However, both franchises soon withdrew as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders stepped in, turning the proceedings into a high-profile duel.

KKR, Iyer’s former franchise, showed strong intent to bring him back, but RCB held their nerve and eventually won the battle, snapping up the all-rounder for Rs 7 crore. The move adds another versatile option to the defending champions’ squad ahead of the new season.

Earlier in the day, Iyer had underlined his value with a timely knock in domestic cricket. Representing Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he struck a fluent 43-ball 70 against Punjab, reminding franchises of his power-hitting credentials. His outing with the ball, however, was less impressive, as he conceded 12 runs in the only over he bowled.Iyer’s overall IPL record remains solid. He has scored 1,468 runs in 56 innings at an average of 29.12, with a strike rate north of 137, including one century and 12 half-centuries. His previous stint with KKR in IPL 2025 proved disappointing, yielding just 142 runs in seven innings despite the hefty price tag.Across all T20s, Iyer has amassed 3,179 runs in 144 matches at an average of 34.18 and a strike rate of 138.63, while also contributing 55 wickets. In the ongoing SMAT 2025/26 season, he has scored 211 runs in 11 matches, including two fifties, underlining his all-round utility ahead of the IPL.

NEW DELHI: Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, are being transported to Goa by the state police on Wednesday following their arrest at Delhi’s IGI Airport immigration. The brothers were deported to India from Thailand, ending a 10-day international search after the deadly fire at their nightclub that claimed 25 lives.A Delhi court had earlier granted the Goa Police a two-day transit remand to facilitate their transfer. The Luthra brothers will be produced before a judicial magistrate in Mapusa, Goa, as the investigation into the incident continues.The duo fled India on Dec 7, hours after a fire at their nightclub claimed 25 lives. They had been staying at the Indigo Hotel in Phuket and were deported to India on Tuesday under escort by Thai authorities.At Bangkok airport, the brothers were masked and surrounded by immigration officials, seated at the rear of the aircraft under security. They were produced at Delhi’s Patiala House Court around 6.45 pm, where Goa police requested three days’ custody. The JMFC granted two-day transit remand. After medical examination, they were taken back to the airport to be flown to Goa, expected to arrive around 11 am on Wednesday, according to DySP Nilesh Rane.Their passports had been suspended by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) after a lookout notice, prompting the issuance of emergency travel documents by the Indian embassy in Thailand. The Luthra brothers had been detained by Thai authorities for staying illegally in the country, and a special team traveled to Phuket to facilitate their deportation.Goa police have registered an FIR against the duo under various sections of the BNS, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Local courts had rejected their anticipatory transit bail last week.So far, several associates linked to the nightclub have been arrested, including Gurgaon resident Ajay Gupta, Delhi-based Rajiv Modak and Priyanshu Thakur, and UP natives Rajveer Singhania, Vivek Singh, and Bharat Kohli. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire broke out around 11.45 pm on Dec 6, when over 150 tourists were attending an event, after electric firecrackers struck the wooden ceiling of the club.

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AHMEDABAD: No criminal knows your desires and weaknesses better than your friend. This maxim was used by a Sabarkantha man who posed online as a woman and exploited his friend’s cherished wish to find matrimonial bliss. For this crook, his friend and a catfishing scam were a match made in cybercrime heaven. As a bachelor dealing with a breakup, the cybercriminal deemed his single friends to be fair game.Aware that his friend had been frenetically seeking a bride for several years, the cybercriminal introduced him to a woman named “Kinjal Patel”. The complainant, a 35-year-old bachelor from Sabarkantha, told police that he and “Kinjal” began chatting regularly on WhatsApp.He said the woman shared her photographs and eventually stated that her family hadapproved the alliance.

Over time, the woman sought money on various pretexts, including personal and family needs. Trusting her assurance that marriage was on the cards, the complainant transferred around Rs 5 lakh over two years to her.However, despite his repeated requests, the woman avoided meeting him in person, citing health and other problems. One day, as the complainant checked his transaction statements, he noticed that the beneficiary’s name matched that of his friend’s father.The complainant then confronted his friend. The ostensible matchmaker allegedly confessed that he had been posing as the woman.Police said the accused, identified as Ankush Patel, is under financial stress. He allegedly used the money to repay personal debts.During preliminary investigation, police found that at least 10 of his friends had been cheated in a similar manner with the accused luring them with marriage proposals using fake female profiles on social media and messaging platforms. The Sabarkantha complainant approached the cyber helpline and later filed a formal complaint with the cybercrime police of the region.The FIR stated that while the accused returned Rs 1 lakh in instalments after being confronted, he failed to repay the remaining Rs 4 lakh despite repeated demands. Several other aspiring grooms have also lost money ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 4 lakh.A police officer said that the interesting part of the story is that the accused himself is a bachelor. A couple of years ago, the officer said, the accused started a relationship with awoman and wanted to marry her.He spent large sums to fulfil his marriage dream and buy a house. His relationship failed and he ended up losing money. That disappointment apparently triggered his plan to cheat his own friends.A case has been registered under sections related to cheating. The IT Act has also been invoked. Police are examining digital evidence, bank transactions, and social media accounts to identify other victims and trace the total amount involved.

Australia lead the 2025-26 Ashes series 2-0 after dominant wins in the first two Tests. England collapsed dramatically in Perth, bowled out for 172 and 164 as Mitchell Starc claimed 7-58, before Travis Head‘s explosive 123 off 83 balls sealed an eight-wicket victory in under two days, the shortest Ashes Test by balls bowled since 1888. In Brisbane, Australia piled up 511 with Starc’s gritty 77 at No.9, then Michael Neser‘s maiden five-for triggered England’s collapse despite resistance from Ben Stokes (50) and Will Jacks, handing Australia another comprehensive triumph.​

Australia welcomed back captain Pat Cummins after a back injury sidelined him for the first two Tests, pairing him with Starc, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon for a balanced attack, Lyon returns after sitting out Brisbane. Their batting remains unchanged, with openers Head and Jake Weatherald thriving, backed by Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, and Cameron Green. England makes one switch, bringing in Josh Tongue for Gus Atkinson, sticking with their top order despite struggles, as captain Stokes seeks a spark from Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse.

Adelaide weather forecast for the 3^rd Test

Day 1: Expect very hot conditions at Adelaide Oval with hazy sunshine, highs of 37°C and lows around 19°C, and no precipitation chance. These extreme temperatures, peaking with real feel 38°C and UV index 11.0, favour batting first if teams win the toss, as the heat could sap bowlers’ energy early, mirroring past high-scoring Ashes openers here. Light WNW winds at 15 km/h may offer minimal swing assistance.​

Day 2: Very hot and hazy sunshine persists, with highs reaching 42°C and lows of 23°C, zero rain risk but severe heatstroke warnings. Real feel hits 42°C alongside extreme UV (11.0), pressuring fielders and pacers like Starc and Archer during long sessions, potentially leading to a flatter pitch as the heat bakes the surface. NW winds at 19 km/h could quicken bounce for Australia’s seamers.​

Also READ: “I’m disowning my father…”: Daughter Grace’s hilarious warning to Matthew Hayden after Joe Root’s Ashes century saves the day

Day 3: Cooler shift to partly sunny skies, highs of 29°C dropping to 13°C overnight with just 2% rain chance. Real feel 30°C and very high UV (8.0) ease physical demands, aiding spinners like Lyon if the pitch wears, while WSW winds at 19 km/h might introduce seam movement. Not as hot, refreshing for intense middle-order battles.​

Day 4: Increasing cloudiness with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C, 3% precipitation odds. Real feel 29°C under extreme UV (11.0) suggests overcast conditions could grip the ball for Lyon and Root’s part-time spin, complicating chases on a potentially deteriorating track. WSW winds at 15 km/h maintain carry for Boland and Tongue.​

Day 5: Hazy sun turns breezy, highs of 24°C falling to 10°C with 1% rain risk. Real feel 26°C and extreme UV (11.0) with WSW gusts up to 28 km/h could make batting treacherous on a fifth-day pitch, favoring Australia’s pace trio in a series-clinching push or England’s desperate fightback. Winds amplify swing, heightening drama for a potential finish.

Playing XI of both teams

Australia: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue

Also READ: Grace Hayden predicts Ashes scoreline amid Australia’s 2-0 lead over England

The data for this weather forecast has been sourced from AQI.in, providing residents with comprehensive information to plan their daily activities and weekly schedules accordingly.Mumbai awoke on Tuesday, December 17, 2025, to a sunny morning characterized by clear skies and a pleasant breeze, establishing a comfortable temperature of 28.3°C, which created favorable conditions for outdoor activities. Despite the agreeable weather, air quality remained a concern, as the previous day’s Air Quality Index (AQI) of 146 had placed it in the ‘poor‘ category, prompting recommendations for mask usage in areas with heavy traffic. While today’s weather conditions were anticipated to aid in the slight dispersion of pollutants, the city’s air quality outlook for the week ahead is projected to fluctuate between the ‘poor‘ and ‘moderate‘ ranges, necessitating ongoing monitoring and precautions. The day’s temperatures were expected to range from 23.9°C in the early hours to a peak of 28.3°C in the afternoon, with moderate humidity and steady winds, ensuring a consistently pleasant environment throughout the day and into the evening.

Today’s Weather Forecast

The morning in Mumbai began with clear skies and a pleasant breeze, setting a comfortable tone for the day. The mercury was expected to reach a high of 28.3°C, which was considered ideal for engaging in outdoor activities during the early part of the day. A brisk morning walk was suggested as a beneficial way to commence the day, given the fresh start to the weather.The day ahead was anticipated to be bright, with temperatures showing a range from a mild 23.9°C during the early hours. This temperature was projected to rise to a peak of 28.3°C as the afternoon progressed. Humidity levels were expected to remain moderate, settling at approximately 50%, which would prevent the air from feeling excessively heavy.Winds were forecast to blow at a steady speed of 21.2 km/h. This consistent airflow was expected to provide a gentle cooling effect across the city throughout the day. There was no chance of rain predicted for the day, allowing residents to forgo carrying an umbrella.As the evening hours approached, the temperature was expected to dip to a comfortable 24°C. This cooler evening temperature was described as perfect for a leisurely stroll or an outdoor dinner. The sky was projected to remain clear, offering a view of the stars under the waxing crescent moon.

Air Quality Concerns

Yesterday, Mumbai’s air quality was in the ‘poor‘ category, with an AQI of 146. The primary pollutants recorded were PM2.5, measuring 74 µg/m³, and PM10, which registered 93 µg/m³. Additionally, elevated carbon monoxide (CO) levels were noted at 310 µg/m³. These conditions were identified as potentially causing discomfort for individuals with pre-existing respiratory issues. They could also lead to mild irritation for other residents.While the sunny weather and moderate winds present today could contribute to a slight reduction in pollution levels, the city’s ongoing traffic and construction activities might prevent a significant improvement in air quality. Sensitive groups within the population were advised to limit prolonged outdoor exposure, particularly during peak traffic hours.With today’s sunny and pleasant weather, it was deemed an excellent day for outdoor plans. A morning jog or a yoga session conducted in a park would be refreshing, attributed to the cool start to the day. As the day advanced and the sun’s intensity increased, individuals were reminded to use sunglasses and wear a hat to maintain comfort. While the air quality was not considered severely harmful, wearing a mask in crowded or high-traffic zones was recommended as a smart precaution. Evening plans could include a leisurely walk or a rooftop dinner, as the clear skies and cooler temperatures were expected to provide a delightful experience.

Weekly Outlook

Looking ahead, Mumbai’s weather was expected to remain consistently pleasant over the upcoming week. Wednesday, December 18, was forecast to experience slightly higher temperatures, reaching 28.7°C. This would be followed by a minor dip to 27.9°C on Thursday.Friday and Saturday were projected to be cooler days, with high temperatures of 27°C and 27.2°C, respectively. Nights throughout the week were expected to remain comfortable, with lows hovering around 23°C–24°C. The skies were anticipated to stay clear for the entire week, making it a suitable period for outdoor events or weekend getaways.Air quality is expected to remain in the ‘poor‘ to ‘moderate‘ range. Monitoring air quality daily and taking necessary precautions was advised as a wise course of action.

Air Quality Context

Interestingly, yesterday’s AQI of 146 represented a slight improvement compared to last week’s average. Last week, the average AQI frequently touched the ‘very poor‘ category. This minor improvement could be attributed to the steady winds and sunny conditions experienced. However, Mumbai’s air quality continues to demand attention, especially with winter conditions tending to trap pollutants closer to the ground. Residents were encouraged to stay informed and implement small steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.Data referenced in this article is taken from AQI.in.