In any game, big money does not always guarantee big performance – and the Indian Premier League (IPL) is no exception. Every year, large-scale auction prices catch headlines and fuel fan expectations, but until the mid-season, the number often tells a different story.
The 2025 edition of the IPL followed last year’s mega auction, where the franchisees snatched the record amount to collect their squads. The discussion around the top purchase was the sky-high-experts and fans equally tracked whether these investments were paying.
Now, on half the way of the league, all ten teams played at least seven out of their 14 matches, it is time to assess the performance of the most expensive stars of the tournament.
Here is a look at the top five underperformers among Marki players IPL 2025 As yet:
1. Rishabh Pant ,Lucknow Super Giants – Rs 27 crore)
The highest value tag in the history of IPL brought Rishabh Pant with Lucknow super veterans, as well as expectations. India’s wicketkeeper-Bater made an inspirational comeback in the last season after a close car accident, and his strong performance with Delhi’s capitals made him a hot pick. The LSG also handed him over to the captaincy duties, expecting leadership and run.
While the team is moving well – currently in the table with five wins in eight matches, the fourth place on the table – the individual form of pants is noseved. He has scored a disappointing average of 15.14 in seven innings and just 106 runs at a strike rate below 100. His alone fifty on one side, he has fought to make any significant contribution.
Statistics: M: 8 | I: 7 | R: 106 | HS: 63 | AVG: 15.14 | SR: 98.14 | 50s: 1
2. Venkatesh Iyer ,Kolkata Knight Riders – 23.75 crores)
The Kolkata Knight Riders shocked many by exiting Venkatesh Iyer to regain Rs 23.75 crore, which he did not retain. But half the way in the season, gambling appears unstable.
KKR has been inconsistent, sitting on the table on the table with just three wins out of seven matches. Iyer, also, fifty – a couple including fifty, but not much. Their strike rate of 155.12 is healthy, but with just 121 runs out of the five innings, they have not yet have the expected effect from a top purchase.
Statistics: M: 7 | I: 5 | R: 121 | HS: 60 | AVG: 24.20 | SR: 155.12 | 50s: 1
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3. Rashid Khan ,Gujarat Titans – Rs 18 crore)
Famous as one of the finest T20 bowlers, Rashid Khan has been a consecutive match-winner in the previous sessions. For Rs 18 crore, Gujarat was maintained by Titans – more than captain Shubman Gill – Rashid expected his bowling spear.
However, the Afghan leg-spinner has so far been an unusually quiet weather. He has managed only four wickets in seven matches at an average of 63.25 and the rate of economy of 9.73. While GT has performed well as a unit and sits on the numeral table, Rashid’s penetration is a concern at the end of the business.
Statistics: M: 7 | W: 4 | BBI: 2/37 | AVG: 63.25 | Econ: 9.73 | SR: 39.00
4. Pat Cummins ,Sunrisers Hyderabad – Rs 18 crore)
SRH was maintained for Rs 18 crore after being a lead in the finals of the previous season, Pat Cummins has done hard outing this year. Under his captaincy, SRH has won only two of the seven matches, currently ninth in the standing.
Cummins has taken seven wickets, but the rate of his economy of 10.21 has been worrying. While he impressed with 3/26 spell against Mumbai Indians, such demonstrations have been rare. With the expectation of SRH’s playoffs, his captain is on his captain to inspire a turnaround.
Statistics: M: 7 | W: 7 | BBI: 3/26 | AVG: 36.00 | Econ: 10.21 | SR: 21.14
5. Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians – Rs 16.30 crore)
Rohit Sharma’s 76 knock against Chennai Super Kings showed the glow of his talent, but the overall picture is low. Except for that innings, he scored only 82 runs in six outings – not ideal for a opener of his caliber and value.
MI recently got some rhythm, four of the eight matches climbed sixth with win. But if Rohit is to justify his recipe of Rs 16.30 crore, the second part of the tournament will require a more consistent and impressive innings.
Statistics: M: 7 | R: 158 | HS: 76* | AVG: 26.33 | SR: 154.90 | 50s: 1
Get the latest IPL 2025 update on Times of India, including match schedule, team squad, points table and IPL Live Score for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBK and RR. Do not remember the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple Cap.
