Who is Prashant Veer? 5 interesting facts about UP all-rounder who could be in high demand at IPL 2026 Auction

Uttar Pradesh all-rounder Prashant Veer is set to be one of the players in the spotlight as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, draws closer. The 20-year-old will be part of Set 7, with a base price of ₹30 lakh.

In his brief career so far, Prashant has showcased his all-round prowess, contributing with both power-hitting and effective left-arm spin bowling. He was recently in action during the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, featuring in seven matches. The young all-rounder scored 112 runs at an average of 37.33 and an impressive strike rate of 169.19, with a best score of an unbeaten 40 against Bihar.

Prashant also made a strong impact with the ball, picking up nine wickets in seven innings at an average of 18.77, a strike rate of 16.66, and an economy rate of 6.76.

With the 20-year-old delivering consistent performances, he is expected to attract significant interest from franchises. On that note, here’s a look at five interesting facts about the Uttar Pradesh all-rounder who could be in high demand at the IPL 2026 auction.

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#1 Emerging Player of the Season in the UPT20 League 2025

During the Uttar Pradesh T20 League 2025, Prashant Veer was named the Emerging Player of the Season. Representing the Noida Super Kings, the southpaw amassed 320 runs in 10 innings at an outstanding average of 64.00 and a strike rate of 155.34, including three half-centuries, with a highest score of 58.

He also contributed effectively with the ball, picking up eight wickets in as many innings at an average of 21.75, a strike rate of 19.50, and an economy rate of 6.69. Despite Noida finishing fifth on the points table in an otherwise forgettable campaign, Prashant Veer emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament.

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#2 Player of the Tournament in the Men’s U23 State A Trophy

Continuing his impressive run of form, Prashant Veer was named Player of the Tournament in the Men’s U23 State A Trophy. Although Uttar Pradesh fell short of the title, losing to Tamil Nadu in the final, Prashant delivered standout performances throughout the competition.

He scored 376 runs in seven matches at a remarkable average of 94.00 and a strike rate of 128.76, registering four half-centuries. The 20-year-old also made a significant impact with the ball, claiming 18 wickets in the same number of games at an average of 18.77, a strike rate of 21.00, and an economy rate of 5.36.

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#3 Prashant Veer names 2011 World Cup hero as his favourite cricketer

The 20-year-old’s favourite cricketer is Yuvraj Singh, the Player of the Tournament at the 2011 ODI World Cup. Earlier this year, Prashant Veer revealed this during an interview with Cricket 900, saying:

“One of them is Yuvraj Singh, whom I try to copy a little because he was also a left-handed batter and a left-arm spinner. Watching him inspires me, especially his journey. The way his father made him work hard, everyone has heard about Yograj sir and how many hours of training he put him through and the kind of intense practice he did. That really inspires me.”

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#4 The UP cricketer dreams of playing for CSK alongside MS Dhoni

In the same interview with Cricket 900, Prashant Veer also expressed his desire to play for five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and to spend at least one season alongside veteran MS Dhoni. He said:

“I would absolutely love to play for Chennai Super Kings because it’s my dream to spend at least one season with MS Dhoni. I would get to learn a lot from him, especially his calmness, since he also bats in the lower order, just like I do. There’s so much I could learn from him. If I get an opportunity to play for any team, CSK would be my preferred choice.”

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#5 The 20-year-old’s nickname is inspired by a South African cricketer

During the aforementioned interview, Prashant Veer revealed that he was once wearing a South Africa cricket team-style jersey during a hostel camp. From then on, his coach, Sunil, began calling him “Miller,” a nickname inspired by South African batter David Miller. Prashant shared:

“They call me "Miller," and the story behind it is that there used to be a camp at Green Park, in a hostel. We used to practice at the hostel camp, and I was wearing a particular T-shirt. Earlier, the South Africa jersey was of that color, and I was wearing something similar. Then there was a coach, Sunil sir, at the hostel, and he started calling me "Miller, Miller." That’s how the name stuck.”

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen how fate will unfold for the UP cricketer at the IPL 2026 auction.