In a stunning revelation that adds a layer of profound human drama to the high-stakes world of the IPL, it has come to light that Prashant Veer, the young pacer bought by Chennai Super Kings for a massive Rs 14.2 crore, was once on the brink of abandoning his cricketing dreams altogether. The year was 2020, a period of immense personal struggle for the then-teenager, who contemplated quitting the sport before his career had even properly begun.
The Dark Phase: When Dreams Almost Died
The incredible journey from near-retirement to multi-crore IPL stardom has been pieced together from the account of his childhood coach, Mahesh Patil. Speaking from his academy in Maharashtra, Patil revealed that a combination of factors pushed a young Prashant Veer to the edge. The COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns created an environment of uncertainty and isolation, severely disrupting training schedules and match practice for aspiring cricketers across the nation.
For Veer, this external chaos was compounded by a crippling crisis of confidence. "He was going through a very rough patch," Coach Patil recounted. "The lockdown meant no proper practice, no matches to look forward to. He started doubting his own abilities and his future in the game. The motivation was at its lowest ebb, and he seriously spoke about giving it all up." This period of introspection and despair threatened to cut short the career of a player who would, just a few years later, become one of the most expensive buys at the IPL 2025 auction.
The Turning Point and Relentless Climb
The narrative shifted due to a crucial intervention from his support system. Coach Mahesh Patil, who had nurtured Veer's talent since his early days, played a pivotal role. Instead of accepting his protege's decision, Patil engaged in persistent counseling. He emphasized patience, hard work, and the unpredictable nature of a sportsman's journey. This guidance, coupled with Veer's own latent determination, helped him navigate through the gloom.
As restrictions eased, Veer returned to the grind with renewed vigor. He focused intensely on refining his bowling, working on his pace, and developing the skills that would later catch the eye of top scouts. His hard work translated into consistent performances in domestic circuits and age-group tournaments, slowly building a reputation as a promising fast bowler. The boy who wanted to quit was now firmly back on the path, his resolve steeled by the adversity he had overcome.
From Obscurity to the CSK Limelight
The culmination of this arduous journey arrived on December 16, 2025, at the IPL auction. As the bidding for Prashant Veer began, it quickly turned into a fierce battle between franchises captivated by his raw pace and potential. In the end, it was the mighty Chennai Super Kings, known for spotting and nurturing talent, that secured his services with a staggering winning bid of Rs 14.2 crore.
For his childhood coach, the moment was surreal and deeply emotional. "Seeing his name come up and then the bids climbing... it was unbelievable," Patil shared. "To think that this is the same boy who, five years ago, was ready to walk away from cricket. It's a testament to his mental strength and the faith he eventually kept in himself and the process." The auction result was not just a financial windfall; it was a validation of Veer's perseverance and a triumphant end to a chapter that began with doubt.
This story of Prashant Veer serves as a powerful reminder of the fragile psychology of young athletes and the thin line between obscurity and fame. As he prepares to don the iconic yellow jersey of CSK under the mentorship of MS Dhoni, his journey from the verge of quitting to becoming a crorepati rookie will undoubtedly be one of the most inspiring subplots of the upcoming IPL season.
