The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pulled off a bold and strategic move on Day 2 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Auction, signing promising left-arm pacer Gurjapneet Singh for a whopping INR 2.2 crore. The five-time champions showcased unwavering intent during the bidding war, locking horns with other franchises to secure the services of this emerging talent.
IPL 2025 mega auction: The bidding war for Gurjapneet Singh
Gurjapneet entered the IPL 2025 Auction with a base price of INR 30 lakh, but it was clear that franchises valued him much higher. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) initiated the bidding, but CSK quickly jumped into the fray. The competition intensified when the Gujarat Titans (GT) joined, driving the price to INR 2.2 crore before CSK eventually prevailed. This signing aligns with CSK’s strategy of investing in domestic talent, as seen earlier in their INR 3.4 crore acquisition of Anshul Kamboj. 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 inspirational. Born in Ludhiana, Punjab, and raised in Ambala, Haryana, his early career did not follow the conventional path of representing state-level age-group teams. Instead, at just 17, he took a leap of faith 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, claiming 6/22 against Saurashtra in October 2024. This remains the best performance by a Tamil Nadu pacer at home since the 2005-06 season.
Despite not breaking through the Punjab cricketing system, Gurjapneet’s move to Chennai proved pivotal. Enrolling at Guru Nanak College, the training ground for India Cements’ league teams (CSK’s parent organization), he honed his craft. His performances in local leagues and the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) earned him recognition, setting the stage for bigger opportunities.
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A resilient journey marked by challenges
Gurjapneet’s ascent was not without setbacks. After an impressive debut season in TNPL 2021 with the Dindigul Dragons, where he took seven wickets in nine matches, a lower-back injury sidelined him for much of the 2022 domestic season. The injury threatened to derail his promising career, but his determination saw him make a triumphant comeback in TNPL 2023, where he starred for the Siechem Madurai Panthers with 15 wickets in eight matches, helping them secure a playoff spot.
His consistent performances drew the attention of selectors, earning him a spot as a net bowler for the Indian Test team ahead of their series against Bangladesh. Bowling to the likes of Virat Kohli during practice sessions further validated his potential, though it also tested his mettle.
The impactful first-class debut
Gurjapneet’s first-class debut against Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 showcased his game-changing potential. While he went wicketless in the first innings, he turned the tide in the second, scalping six wickets for just 22 runs. His spell dismantled Saurashtra’s batting lineup, securing an innings victory for Tamil Nadu. Among his prized dismissals was Cheteshwar Pujara, trapped LBW with a delivery that perfectly exploited the batter’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 extract steep bounce and generate awkward angles for batters. His repertoire includes deadly yorkers, deceptive slower balls, and the ability to maintain accuracy under pressure – qualities that make him a valuable asset in both the powerplay and death overs. Moreover, his resilience in overcoming injuries and his adaptability to different formats highlight his mental toughness, a trait CSK cherishes in their players. His stint in TNPL and domestic cricket also proves his ability to deliver in crunch situations, a skill that CSK will undoubtedly bank on during the IPL.