IPL 2025: High Stakes, Low Returns – Pant, Rohit, and Other Big Buys Falter
In the glitzy world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), megabucks don’t always translate to mega performances. Each season, the auction frenzy sets the stage for sky-high expectations, with franchises shelling out fortunes to secure top talent. Yet, as the dust settles halfway through IPL 2025, the numbers reveal a harsh reality: some of the biggest investments are yielding the lowest returns.
Following last year’s mega auction, where record-breaking bids made headlines, the 2025 season began with immense hype. Fans and analysts alike speculated whether the marquee signings would live up to their colossal price tags. Now, with all ten teams having played at least seven of their 14 league matches, it’s time to spotlight the stars who have flattered to deceive. From erratic form to leadership woes, here’s a deep dive into the top five underperformers of IPL 2025 so far.
1. Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants – Rs 27 Crore)
The highest-ever IPL auction price of Rs 27 crore brought Rishabh Pant to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), accompanied by towering expectations. After a remarkable comeback last season following a life-threatening car accident in 2022, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter was expected to dazzle with both bat and leadership. Entrusted with captaincy, Pant was seen as the cornerstone of LSG’s campaign.
Yet, Pant’s form has been nothing short of a disappointment. Despite LSG sitting comfortably at fourth with five wins in eight matches, Pant has managed a paltry 106 runs in seven innings, averaging a shocking 15.14 with a strike rate below 100. Barring a solitary fifty, his contributions have been negligible, leaving fans and franchise owners questioning the hefty investment.
STATS: Matches: 8 | Innings: 7 | Runs: 106 | Highest Score: 63 | Average: 15.14 | Strike Rate: 98.14 | Fifties: 1
2. Venkatesh Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders – Rs 23.75 Crore)
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) raised eyebrows by splurging Rs 23.75 crore to bring back Venkatesh Iyer, a player they had surprisingly not retained prior to the auction. Positioned as a dynamic all-rounder, Iyer was expected to bolster KKR’s inconsistent batting lineup. However, halfway through the season, the gamble looks precarious.
With KKR languishing at sixth on the points table with just three wins from seven games, Iyer mirrors the team’s inconsistency. His strike rate of 155.12 hints at potential, but a meager tally of 121 runs in five innings tells a different story. A fifty against Royal Challengers Bengaluru offered hope, yet his inability to convert starts into big scores remains a concern.
STATS: Matches: 7 | Innings: 5 | Runs: 121 | Highest Score: 60 | Average: 24.20 | Strike Rate: 155.12 | Fifties: 1
3. Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans – Rs 18 Crore)
Regarded as one of the best T20 bowlers in the world, Rashid Khan has been a consistent game-changer for Gujarat Titans (GT). Retained for Rs 18 crore—ahead of even captain Shubman Gill—the Afghan leg-spinner was expected to lead GT’s bowling attack with his trademark guile. However, IPL 2025 has been an uncharacteristically quiet affair for Rashid.
Despite GT topping the points table with disciplined team performances, Rashid has picked up just four wickets in seven matches at a staggering average of 63.25 and an economy rate of 9.73. His lack of wickets and inability to control the run flow could haunt GT as they approach the crucial playoff stages.
STATS: Matches: 7 | Wickets: 4 | Best Bowling: 2/37 | Average: 63.25 | Economy: 9.73 | Strike Rate: 39.00
4. Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad – Rs 18 Crore)
After steering Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to the final last season, Pat Cummins was retained for Rs 18 crore as both captain and premier fast bowler. However, IPL 2025 has been a challenging ride for the Australian pacer. SRH find themselves ninth on the table with just two wins from seven matches, and Cummins’ personal numbers reflect the broader struggle.
While he has taken seven wickets, Cummins’ economy rate of 10.21 is a glaring weak spot. A standout spell of 3/26 against Mumbai Indians showed his capability, but such performances have been sporadic. With SRH’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Cummins needs to rediscover his rhythm—fast.
STATS: Matches: 7 | Wickets: 7 | Best Bowling: 3/26 | Average: 36.00 | Economy: 10.21 | Strike Rate: 21.14
5. Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians – Rs 16.30 Crore)
Few names in cricket carry the weight of Rohit Sharma, the prolific opener and former IPL-winning captain. Retained by Mumbai Indians (MI) for Rs 16.30 crore, Rohit was expected to lead from the front with the bat. A brilliant 76* against Chennai Super Kings showcased his vintage flair, but consistency has eluded him.
Excluding that match-winning knock, Rohit has scraped together just 82 runs across six other innings. MI have clawed their way to sixth with four wins in eight games, but for Rohit to justify his price tag, he must deliver more impactful performances in the second half of the tournament.
STATS: Matches: 7 | Runs: 158 | Highest Score: 76* | Average: 26.33 | Strike Rate: 154.90 | Fifties: 1
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, the pressure mounts on these high-profile players to turn their fortunes around. Franchises invest not just money but faith in their stars, hoping they ignite when it matters most. Will Pant rediscover his explosive form? Can Rashid reclaim his wicket-taking prowess? The second half of the tournament promises answers, drama, and perhaps, redemption. For now, these big buys remain under the scanner, reminding us that in cricket, as in life, money can’t guarantee glory.