A recurrent trend in the IPL is that players with the biggest price tags frequently find it difficult to demonstrate their worth on the field. This lackluster performance could be attributed in part to the pressure of being the most expensive player in the IPL auction.
Rishabh Pant has fetched a whopping amount of Rs. 27 crore and become the highest-paid player in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Will he be able to break the trend and stand out in the upcoming season?
A number of players who were bought for record prices in IPL auctions over the years have fallen short of the high standards set for them. Here are five such players who failed to live up to league expectations despite their high price tags.
Most expensive IPL players with disappointing performances
| Player | Team | Price | Year |
| Yuvraj Singh | DD | 16 crore | 2015 |
| Shane Watson | RCB | 9.5 crore | 2016 |
| Pat Cummins | KKR | 15.5 crore | 2020 |
| Jaydev Unadkat | RR | 8.4 crore | 2019 |
| Glenn Maxwell | MI | 6.3 crore | 2013 |
Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh was bought by Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the 2015 Auction at the highest price of 16 crore. In that year, he scored 248 runs at an average of 19.07. The explosive batter had a strike rate of 118.09.
Shane Watson
Shane Watson was at his peak when RCB bought him for 9.5 crore in IPL 2016. However, he was disappointed by scoring 398 runs at an average of 23.41.
Pat Cummins
Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins was the highest-paid player in IPL 2020 when KKR signed him for 15.5 crore. He also did not live up to the expectation and took 12 wickets in 14 games. He scored just 146 runs in that year.
Jaydev Unadkat
Rajasthan Royals signed Jaydev Unadkat in IPL 2019 for 8.4 crore. He had taken only 10 wickets in 11 games at an economy of 10.66. He was the most costliest player in the auction.
Glenn Maxwell
Maxwell joined Mumbai Indians in IPL 2013 with the highest price in the auction. But, he did not replicated his price value on his performance. He played just three game and scored 36 runs.
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