As the IPL 2025 season progresses into its crucial phase, all eyes are on the players who were handed massive price tags in the auction and retentions. From match-winners to underperformers, the journey of the five costliest players in this edition has been anything but predictable. Let’s have a detailed look of how these high-value stars have fared after the first eight games of the tournament.
Performance of the 5 expensive players in the IPL 2025 auction so far
5. Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS) – INR 18 crore
Matches: 8 | Wickets: 9 | Best: 4/28 | Economy: 9.30
Punjab Kings made headlines by securing veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal for a whopping INR 18 crore. While his economy rate of 9.30 has raised eyebrows, Chahal has still shown glimpses of brilliance—particularly with his best figures of 4/28. However, he’s lacked consistency, often proving expensive in key phases of the game. Given his price tag and experience, PBKS would have expected more control in the middle overs. That said, his ability to pick wickets remains valuable, and he could still be a game-changer in the business end of the league.
4. Arshdeep Singh (PBKS – Retained) – INR 18 crore
Matches: 8 | Wickets: 11 | Best: 3/43 | Economy: 8.62
Unlike Chahal, Arshdeep Singh has justified much of the faith Punjab Kings placed in him. As a retained player with a steep price, expectations were high—and he has delivered with regular breakthroughs. With 11 wickets in 8 games, he’s been one of PBKS’s most reliable bowlers. While his economy of 8.62 might need tightening, Arshdeep’s knack for striking in the powerplay and bowling tough overs at the death continues to be his biggest strength.
3. Venkatesh Iyer (KKR) – INR 23.75 crore
Matches: 8 | Runs: 135 | Highest Score: 60 | Average: 22.50 | 50s: 1
KKR’s most expensive signing in IPL history, Venkatesh Iyer, has so far failed to live up to the hype and investment. With just 135 runs across 8 matches and an average of 22.50, his performances have been underwhelming. Apart from a lone fifty, Iyer has struggled with timing, strike rotation, and confidence. His inability to accelerate in crucial moments has cost KKR valuable momentum in multiple games. Given his auction price, Iyer’s returns are far from satisfactory—and KKR’s management will be hoping for a major turnaround soon.
2. Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) – INR 26.75 crore
Matches: 8 | Runs: 263 | Highest Score: 97 | Average: 43.83 | 50s: 3*
Leading Punjab Kings from the front, Shreyas Iyer has been one of the standout performers among this elite group. His tally of 263 runs in 8 games, including three fifties and a match-winning 97*, reflects both consistency and intent. Iyer has adapted well to different conditions, often stabilizing PBKS’s innings and anchoring chases. As captain, he’s shown smart tactical awareness, and his batting has provided a solid backbone to the team. For now, he stands out as a top performer who has justified his price tag and leadership role.
1. Rishabh Pant (LSG ) – INR 27 crore
Matches: 8 | Runs: 106 | Highest Score: 63 | Average: 15.14 | 50s: 1
Despite being the most expensive player of IPL 2025, Rishabh Pant‘s form has been a major talking point for all the wrong reasons. With only 106 runs in 8 matches at an average of 15.14, the LSG skipper has looked far from his best. Though he has a half-century to his name, Pant’s overall contribution with the bat has been minimal. His captaincy has also been under scrutiny, and his struggles at the crease are beginning to impact the team’s momentum. With big expectations resting on his shoulders, Pant will need a strong second half to avoid being labeled one of the season’s biggest disappointments.
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