India, Dec. 17 -- The IPL player auctions have changed the lives of many players by introducing meritocracy through free market economics. Add Karthik Sharma, the 19-year-old wicket-keeper batter from Rajasthan, and Prashant Veer, the 20-year-old left-arm spin all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, to that list. Their big pay day - Rs. 14.2 crore each - at the IPL mini auction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday meant they will now be playing for the Chennai Super Kings with the legendary MS Dhoni still in the squad.

It was another pulsating day of frenzied paddle wars, with Australian all-rounder Cameron Green ( Rs.25.2 crore) becoming the most expensive overseas buy in an IPL auction. Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana ( Rs. 18 crore) was the nex...