The TATA IPL 2025 auction saw some intense bidding wars as franchises fought to secure top players. The top 10 most expensive buys of the season came with immense expectations, but have they lived up to the hype? Let’s analyze their performances so far.
1. Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants - INR 27 Crore)
Rishabh Pant’s return to the IPL was highly anticipated, but his performances so far have been underwhelming.
- 0 runs in 6 balls vs DC
- 15 runs in 15 balls vs SRH
- 2 runs in 5 balls vs PBKS
With just 17 runs in three innings, Pant has struggled to find his rhythm. He has been unable to capitalize on his starts, failing to provide the explosive batting he is known for. The Super Giants will hope their marquee signing finds his form soon.
2. Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings - INR 26.75 Crore)
Source: PBKS OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, has been a standout performer.
- 97 runs in 42 balls vs GT
- 52 runs in 30 balls vs LSG
Iyer has already played two crucial innings, amassing 149 runs in two matches at a blistering strike rate. His ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when needed has been a major boost for his team.
3. Venkatesh Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders - INR 23.75 Crore
Venkatesh Iyer has failed to make an impact so far.
- 6 runs in 7 balls vs RCB
- 3 runs in 9 balls vs MI
With just 9 runs in two innings, Venkatesh has struggled to get going. His strike rate and form will be a concern for his franchise, and they will hope he turns things around soon.
4. Arshdeep Singh (Punjab Kings - INR 18 Crore, RTN)
Arshdeep Singh has been among the wickets, but his economy rate has been on the higher side.
- 2 wickets for 36 runs vs GT
- 3 wickets for 43 runs vs LSG
With 5 wickets in two games, he has been a key wicket-taker but needs to control his economy rate. His ability to bowl in death overs remains valuable.
5. Yuzvendra Chahal (Punjab Kings - INR 18 Crore)
Chahal, one of the best spinners in the league, has had a slow start.
- 0 wickets for 34 runs vs GT
- 1 wicket for 36 runs vs LSG
With only one wicket in two matches, Chahal has not yet delivered his best. His team will rely on him to provide breakthroughs in the middle overs.
6. Jos Buttler (Gujarat Titans - INR 15.75 Crore)
Jos Buttler has been in fantastic form.
- 54 runs in 33 balls vs PBKS
- 39 runs in 24 balls vs MI
- 73 runs in 39 balls vs RCB*
With 166 runs in three innings, including a match-winning knock against RCB, Buttler has been one of the most consistent performers. His explosive batting has been crucial for his team’s success.
7. KL Rahul (Delhi Capitals - INR 14 Crore)
KL Rahul has only played one innings so far.
- 15 runs in 5 balls vs SRH
While he started aggressively, he couldn’t convert his start into a big score. More will be expected from him in the upcoming matches.
8. Trent Boult (Mumbai Indians - INR 12.5 Crore)
Trent Boult has had a mixed start.
- 0 wickets for 27 runs vs CSK
- 1 wicket for 34 runs vs GT
- 1 wicket for 23 runs vs KKR
With just two wickets in three matches, Boult has not been at his best but has been economical. His ability to strike with the new ball will be crucial moving forward.
9. Jofra Archer (Rajasthan Royals - INR 12.5 Crore)
Jofra Archer’s performance has been disappointing.
- 0 wickets for 76 runs vs SRH
- 0 wickets for 33 runs vs KKR
- 1 wicket for 13 runs vs CSK
After two expensive outings, Archer finally managed to get a wicket in his third match. His fitness and consistency remain concerns for his team.
10. Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bangalore - INR 12.5 Crore)
Josh Hazlewood has been one of the standout bowlers so far.
- 2 wickets for 22 runs vs KKR
- 3 wickets for 21 runs vs CSK
- 1 wicket for 43 runs vs GT
With 6 wickets in three matches, Hazlewood has been a key performer. His ability to deliver in powerplays and death overs has been vital for his team.
Conclusion
Among the top 10 buys, players like Shreyas Iyer, Jos Buttler, and Josh Hazlewood have lived up to expectations, while Rishabh Pant, Venkatesh Iyer, and Jofra Archer have struggled. As the tournament progresses, teams will hope their high-priced acquisitions justify their value. The IPL is a long tournament, and a turnaround is always possible. Fans and franchises alike will be watching closely to see if these big names can step up when it matters most.
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