The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has seen franchises invest record sums in marquee players, hoping for game-changing performances.
However, several high-profile signings have failed to deliver, leaving their teams disappointed and fans frustrated.
Here’s a detailed look at the three most expensive flops of IPL 2025:
Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants – ₹27 Crore)
Rishabh Pant created history at the IPL 2025 mega auction, becoming the most expensive player ever with a staggering ₹27 crore deal from Lucknow Super Giants.
Expectations soared, with Pant seen as a potential match-winner and leader. However, his season has been nothing short of disastrous.
In 14 matches, Pant managed only 240 runs at a paltry average of 21.82, with just two fifties to his name and as many as seven single-digit scores.
His inability to anchor innings or provide finishing firepower left LSG’s batting vulnerable. Moreover, his captaincy decisions came under scrutiny, further compounding the team’s struggles.
Pant’s poor form and leadership have made him arguably the biggest flop of IPL 2025, and his record price tag now appears a burden rather than a badge of honor.
Venkatesh Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders – ₹23.75 Crore)
Kolkata Knight Riders made headlines by securing Venkatesh Iyer for ₹23.75 crore, banking on his previous IPL exploits. Unfortunately, Iyer’s performance failed to justify the investment.
Across 11 matches, he scored only 142 runs at an average of 20.29 and a strike rate of 139.22, with just a single fifty.
His form was so poor that KKR eventually dropped him from the playing XI for the season’s final games.
Iyer’s inability to provide stability or acceleration at the top of the order hurt KKR’s campaign, turning what was expected to be a marquee signing into a costly misfire.
The pressure of the hefty price tag seemed to weigh heavily on him, and unless his form turns around dramatically, KKR may reconsider his place in their future plans.
Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad – ₹23 Crore)
Sunrisers Hyderabad retained Heinrich Klaasen for ₹23 crore, making him one of the league’s highest-paid players.
The franchise hoped his explosive batting would anchor their middle order. However, Klaasen’s returns have been underwhelming: in 14 matches, he scored just 487 runs, which include a hundred in the last league match.
While his numbers are not the worst, they fall short of the impact required for a player of his price and stature, especially as SRH’s campaign faltered.
Klaasen’s inability to deliver in crunch moments contributed to SRH’s early exit from the tournament, making his retention a questionable call in hindsight.
