Follow UsThe 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is shaping up to be one of the most closely contested seasons in history, with the race for the top four being immensely competitive. We’ve so far seen plenty of players rise to the occasion and make a name for themselves, but, equally, there have been a plethora of individuals who have flopped big time, failing to do justice to both their price tag and reputation. We look at the five biggest flops so far from the 2025 edition of the IPL.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) retaining Dhruv Jurel for INR 14 crore came as a shock, but there was hope that the talented youngster would show glimpses of his greatness. However, half a season in, Jurel has been directly responsible for nearly half of RR’s losses, including each of the last three.
The designated ‘finisher’ has failed to close out ridiculously easy chases, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory for RR not once, not twice, but thrice. His numbers (avg 39.67, SR 150.63) look great but add some context to these numbers, and Jurel has been one of the biggest reasons for RR lingering at eighth on the points table.
At 23.75 crore, Venkatesh Iyer proved to be one of the most expensive signings in IPL history at the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, there must surely be some buyer’s remorse for KKR, as Iyer has been a complete non-factor so far in IPL 2025.
After 8 matches, the left-hander has averaged just 22.5 and has looked like a shadow of his usual self. Against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Eden Gardens, Iyer played his slowest ever knock in T20s, posting 14 off 19 in a failed run-chase at home for the defending champions.
It sure looks like the pressure of the price tag has taken a toll on Iyer.
Another KKR player in this list is Venky Iyer’s teammate Andre Russell. The 36-year-old was retained for INR 12 crore ahead of the new season but that’s starting to look like a big mistake now, with the West Indian looking well past his prime.
After 6 innings, Russell averages an eye-watering 9 in IPL 2025, while striking at under 120.0. He’s had a few chances to make a statement and redeem himself but has failed miserably.
And while taking 6 wickets with the ball, he’s not been reliable, going at an E.R of 13.5.
RCB wanted Liam Livingstone to replace the 2021-2023 Glenn Maxwell, but instead he’s been a like-for-like replacement for the IPL 2024 Maxwell. Halfway into the season, Livingstone is out of the team already, thanks to his impactless performances.
He’s batted 6 times and managed just 87 runs at an average of 17.4. In a season where every other RCB batter set the stage alight, Livingstone has struggled to get going and has let his team down on multiple occasions.
He’s not been worth the 8.75 cr that RCB paid for him at the mega auction.
Rishabh Pant of IPL 2025 is probably, as it stands, the single biggest flop in IPL history. In 8 innings in IPL 2025, Pant has made zero positive contribution to LSG and, if anything, has actively negatively impacted the side game after game. He’s faced 110 balls and has scored 106 runs at an average of 13.25. Pant has crossed the 25-run mark just once and even that 63 vs CSK came at a strike rate under 130.0.
27 cr down the drain?