IPL 2026: Abhinav Mukund picks four debutants to watch, includes two Chennai Super Kings players

Former Indian cricketer Abhinav Mukund has picked four debutants to watch out for in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The 19th edition of the tournament is set to begin on March 28, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

Several franchises made significant investments in uncapped Indian players during the auction. Mukund highlighted two players from Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer, as key prospects. Both players made headlines by becoming the most expensive uncapped signings in IPL history, with CSK spending a massive INR 14.20 crore each on them during the mini-auction.

“Both of them will start. I think Kartik Sharma is slightly ahead because a lot more teams were interested in him. He’s got this exceptional middle-order hitting ability. He can also keep wickets, but I think it’s his hitting ability, that’s why I put him at one. Prashant Veer, an exciting prospect. One more guy I am looking forward to from CSK,” Abhinav said on ESPNcricinfo.

Abhinav further picked Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, who was signed by Delhi Capitals (DC) following a sensational Ranji Trophy season. Nabi finished as the highest wicket-taker, claiming 60 wickets in 17 matches, showcasing his consistency and impact with the ball.

He also named Ashok Sharma, who was picked by Gujarat Titans (GT). The pacer previously served as a net bowler for Rajasthan Royals (RR) and has been part of IPL setups before, including stints with Rajasthan in 2022 and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2025. However, he is yet to make his debut in the tournament.

“Auqib Nabi, the hero for Jammu & Kashmir. He’s had a fabulous red ball season. How will he go in the white ball? Another guy that I am looking forward to. A guy who is highly rated by almost all fast bowlers I have spoken to around the country. Apparently can bowl upwards of 145 clicks, which is very rare. It’s a rare commodity in Indian cricket,” said Abhinav.