Dhoni drops big hint on CSK Playing XI with viral reaction on Rs 14.2 crore buy's shot in nets

Prashant Veer seems set to make his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their very first match of the season. The latest indication of this came from a CSK net session where the legendary MS Dhoni was left awestruck by some of the shots that the uncapped player played.

Veer, a left-handed batter who can also bowl left-arm spin, became the joint-most expensive uncapped player ever to be bought at the IPL auction when he was signed by CSK for a whooping Rs 14.2 crore.  The Super Kings also signed Kartik Sharma for the same amount bringing two highly skilled but inexperienced players in their squad.

However, the way 20-year-old batted in the nets was enough of an indication of how good the Uttar Pradesh all-rounder is.

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Dhoni impressed by Veer

Late on Saturday, CSK’s social media handles posted a video of Veer practicing in the nets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Veer is seen smashing a lofted drive on the off-side on the first ball. Dhoni, standing behind the nets, nods in appreciation and says: “shot”. The young all-rounder then scooped the ball in the region where he Dhoni was. The legend saw the ball go past him and cheekily signalled a boundary.

After that Veer dispatches an almost perfect yorker to the boundary with a strong straight hit. This spectacular drive is appreciated by Dhoni with a loud “shot”. The video below shows Dhoni’s reaction.

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Prasanth : 🏏💥
MSD : 🗣️ SHOTTT!

The reaction from behind the stumps!#WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/hCKuCp9TaM

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 21, 2026

Will Prashant Veer make CSK Playing XI?

The way Dhoni reacted to Veer’s batting suggested that he was impressed by the youngsters shot-making. That could mean that Veer will start for the Super Kings straightaway in their first match of the season against Rajasthan Royals on Monday, March 30 in Guwahati.

In the training video, Veer showed his range and power which looked impressive. The fact that he also bowls makes him an even valuable prospect for CSK. With Ravindra Jadeja gone, the Super Kings could see Veer as a potential replacement in the role and that could mean that the Uttar Pradesh all-rounder will get a long run in the tournament.