Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season now nearing its playoffs has seen its share of high-profile failures despite record-breaking auction prices. Below is detailed analysis of the top five underperforming players—Rishabh Pant, Venkatesh Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Mohammed Shami, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Whose performances have fallen short of their hefty price tags, as reported by multiple sources.
- Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants, ₹27 crore)
Named captain of the “Flop XI” by Iceland Cricket. Pant has been the season’s biggest letdown. Acquired for a record-breaking ₹27 crore by LSG he expected to replace KL Rahul and lead with flair. Instead, Pant scored just 151 runs in 13 matches, averaging a dismal 13.72 with a strike rate of 107.09. Shockingly low for a T20 batter. His lone fifty against CSK failed to mask a season of inconsistency with his captaincy also drawing criticism as LSG missed the playoffs. - Venkatesh Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders, ₹23.75 crore)
KKR’s ₹23.75 crore investment in Iyer has proven costly. The all-rounder managed only 142 runs in 11 matches, averaging 20.29 with a strike rate of 139.22. His solitary fifty couldn’t salvage a season marked by slow knocks. Including a 14 off 19 against Gujarat Titans, putting pressure on KKR’s middle order. As vice-captain, his lackluster performance has been a major disappointment for the defending champions. - Ishan Kishan (Sunrisers Hyderabad, ₹11.25 crore)
Kishan started IPL 2025 with a bang, scoring an unbeaten 106 against Rajasthan Royals. However, the SRH batter, bought for ₹11.25 crore, fizzled out. Amassing just 231 runs in 12 matches at an average of 25.66. Despite multiple opportunities, his inconsistent form failed to justify the high expectations. Leaving SRH frustrated after his release from Mumbai Indians. - Mohammed Shami (Sunrisers Hyderabad, ₹10 crore)
Shami, a premier Indian pacer, was expected to spearhead SRH’s bowling after his ₹10 crore acquisition. Instead. He took only 6 wickets in 9 matches, with a poor economy rate of 11.23 and an average of 56.16. His subpar performances led to him being benched for several games, raising concerns for India’s upcoming England tour. Gujarat Titans’ decision to release him now seems justified. - Ravichandran Ashwin (Chennai Super Kings, ₹9.75 crore)
Ashwin’s much-hyped return to CSK after a decade was a letdown. The veteran spinner, acquired for ₹9.75 crore, claimed just 7 wickets in 9 matches with an economy rate nearing 10 (9.29) and an average of 44.60. His lack of impact contributed to CSK’s early playoff elimination, marking another season of struggle for the experienced bowler.
These players, despite their high price tags and reputations, have underperformed significantly, impacting their teams’ campaigns. LSG and CSK, in particular, suffered as Pant and Ashwin failed to deliver. While KKR and SRH grappled with Iyer and Shami’s inconsistencies.
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IPL 2025 final set for June 3 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium with Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Mumbai Indians securing playoff spots.