CSK suffer huge setback as injury sidelines Prashant Veer from cricket ahead of IPL 2026

Prashant Veer sustained a nasty injury before IPL 2026 [Source: @SSA_807/X]

In a development that could concern CSK, their costliest mega auction buy, Prashant Veer, has been sidelined from competitive cricket ahead of the IPL 2026. Prashant Veer sustained a nasty injury to his right shoulder and will be out of action for at least three weeks, with his fitness status set to determine his participation in the IPL 2026 season. 

Prashant Veer is an integral part of the Uttar Pradesh squad for the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. The second leg of the famed domestic competition kicked off on Thursday, as Uttar Pradesh took on Jharkhand in their sixth group stage fixture. However, the spin bowling allrounder was ruled out of the match following a shoulder injury that he sustained right before the lunch break on Day 1. 

Prashant Veer ruled out of cricket for 3 weeks due to injury

The incident occurred during the 30th over of Jharkhand's first innings. As Shikhar Mohan caressed the ball firmly through the off side, Prashant Veer dived towards his right in a bid to save some crucial runs for his team. However, he ended up injuring himself in this process after landing awkwardly on his right shoulder. 

The promising cricketer groaned in severe pain and discomfort following the incident. As a result, he was immediately taken off the field and eventually went for scans to determine the extent of his injury. 

Prashant Veer had his right arm in a sling when he returned from the hospital. According to ESPNCricinfo, the youngster has sustained a grade-2 tear that is expected to keep him out of cricketing action, at least for three weeks. 

Why is Prashant Veer's injury a huge concern for CSK?

It's worth noting that Prashant Veer rose to fame and became a household name in India after securing a lucrative deal for CSK in the IPL 2026 mega auction. As CSK had swapped Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, securing Sanju Samson through a historic IPL trade with Rajasthan Royals, the five-time champions entered the auction in pursuit of a quality allrounder. 

Prashant Veer, having showcased his prowess as a spin-bowling allrounder in the domestic circuit, emerged as Jadeja's replacement. So, CSK secured his services, buying him at a whopping price of INR 14.20 crores, which made him the joint-most expensive uncapped player in the IPL history. 

So, given that CSK invested a hefty amount in him, Veer was expected to fill Jadeja's void in their playing XI. In such a scenario, his injury turns out to be a setback for the Super Kings, who would want him fit at any cost for a fruitful IPL campaign this year. 

Jharkhand in driving seat vs UP in Ranji Trophy

Prashant Veer couldn't deliver a single over for Uttar Pradesh on day 1 of the Ranji Trophy affair against Jharkhand. 

The Jharkhand batters made the most of UP's injury crisis, piling up 279 runs for the loss of a single wicket on day 1. While Shikhar Mohan contributed 78 runs to the tally, Sharandeep Singh and Aryaman Sen remained unbeaten on 128* and 64*, respectively.