The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) He made a bold and strategic move on Day 2 Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Auctionsigned the promising left-arm pacer Gurjapneet Singh for a whopping INR 2.2 crore. The five-time champions have shown unwavering intent during the bidding war, locking horns with other franchises to secure the services of this budding talent.
IPL 2025 mega auction: Bidding war for Gurjapneet Singh
Gurjapneet entered the IPL 2025 Auction with a base price of INR 30 lakh, but it was clear that the franchises valued him higher. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) He started the bidding, but CSK quickly entered the fray. When the competition intensified Gujarat Titans (GT) CSK eventually joined in, taking the price to INR 2.2 crore before winning. This signing is in line with CSK’s strategy of investing in local talent, as seen earlier in their INR 3.4 crore acquisition. Anshul Cambodia. By targeting young Indian players with proven domestic records, CSK continues to build a solid foundation for the future.
From Punjab Roots to Tamil Nadu stardom
Gurjapneet’s cricketing journey is nothing short of inspiring. Born in Ludhiana, Punjab and brought up in Ambala, Haryana, his early career did not follow the traditional path of representing state level age group teams. Instead, he took a leap of faith at just 17 and moved to Chennai to pursue his cricketing dreams. Seven years later, he burst onto the domestic scene with a phenomenal Ranji Trophy debut for Tamil Nadu, taking 6/22 against Saurashtra in October 2024. This remains the best home performance by a Tamil Nadu player since the 2005-06 season.
Despite not coming through the Punjab cricket system, Gurjapneet’s move to Chennai was pivotal. He honed his craft by enrolling at Guru Nanak College, the training ground for Indian Cements’ league teams (CSK’s parent organization). His performances in local leagues and Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) earned him recognition, paving the way for greater opportunities.
Also READ: IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Complete list of unsold players along with base price
A continuous journey marked by challenges
Gurjapneet’s rise has not been without setbacks. After an impressive debut season in TNPL 2021 with Dindigul Dragonswhere he scored seven goals in nine matches, a lower back injury sidelined him for most of the 2022 domestic season. Injury threatened to derail his promising career, but his determination saw him make a triumphant comeback in TNPL 2023, where he starred in the TNPL 2023 Siechem Madurai Panthers helped secure a place in the play-offs with 15 wickets in eight matches.
His consistent performances caught the attention of the selectors, earning him a place as a net bowler in the Indian Test team ahead of the series against Bangladesh. Like bowling Virat Kohli during training sessions further confirmed his potential, although it also tested his skill.
An impressive first-class debut
Gurjapneet’s first-class debut against Saurashtra Ranji Trophy 2024-25 demonstrated its game-changing potential. While he went scoreless in the first innings, he turned the tide in the second innings, scalping six wickets for just 22 runs. His spell dismantled Saurashtra’s batting line-up, securing an innings victory for Tamil Nadu. It was among his award-winning dismissals Cheteshwar Pujarasnared him LBW with a delivery that took advantage of the dead man’s weakness against good length balls.
What Gurjapneet brings to CSK
Standing at 6’3”, Gurjapneet’s height gives him a natural advantage, allowing him to take steep leaps and create awkward angles for shots. His repertoire includes deadly yorkers, deceptive slower balls and an ability to maintain accuracy under pressure – qualities that make him a valuable asset both in the powerplay and at the death. Moreover, his resilience in overcoming injuries and his ability to adapt to different formats highlight his mental fortitude, a trait CSK cherishes in its players. His experience in TNPL and domestic cricket also proves his ability to perform in tight situations, a skill CSK will surely gain during the IPL.
