The 18th season of the IPL is nearing a fascinating end, with teams battling hard to win the cash-rich tournament. While the IPL has always been a bedrock for launching youngsters onto the highest level of professional cricket, this year was no different.
But that is a discussion for another day. IPL 2025 also saw several renowned players flop. They were hyped in the auction, paid handsomely, but they failed to deliver when it mattered the most. Here are the 5 costliest flops of IPL 2025:5. Rachin RavindraThe swashbuckling New Zealand opener was acquired by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 4 crore. But he failed to impress. Ravindra accumulated only 191 runs in 8 innings, with just one fifty-plus score to his credit. The only time he dazzled was when he scored 65 off 45 against Mumbai Indians in CSK’s opening match at Chepauk.Ravindra failed to convert his promising starts into big innings as he struggled against pace in Indian conditions – scoring 107 runs off 87 balls at an average of 21.4 and a strike rate of 123.4. Jake Fraser-McGurkThe Australian batter was retained by Delhi Capitals for Rs 9 crore after he batted at a strike rate of 234 last season. However, this season, opponents seemed to have found a way out to keep him in check. As a result, he could score only 55 runs in six innings at a dismal strike rate of 105.76 before being dropped from the XI. The young Australian struggled against pace this season, with fast bowlers accounting for five of his six dismissals.3. Glenn MaxwellThe Australian all-rounder was bought by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for Rs 4.20 crore in the IPL 2025 auction in November after Royal Challengers Bengaluru released him. But Maxwell could not justify his price tag. He managed only 48 runs in six innings at a not-so-impressive strike rate of 97.95 before a finger injury ruled him out of the tournament.2. Mohammed ShamiAhead of India’s tour of England, starting in June, it was painful to see pacer Mohammed Shami lose his form. Shami, who was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 10 crore, could take only 6 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 56.17, making him one of the most expensive bowlers this season. He bowled at an economy rate of 11.23. After his initial struggles, SRH did not consider him for the remainder of IPL 2025. Shami, a senior pacer in the Indian team, is now facing possible exclusion from the England series due to his poor form.1. Rishabh PantThe Indian wicketkeeper-batter was the costliest buy at the auction, with Lucknow Super Giants shelling out Rs 27 crore to acquire him – making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Pant, however, failed to fire. He scored only 151 runs from 13 matches at an average of 13.73 and a poor strike rate of 107.09.