The IPL is known for creating superstars and delivering unforgettable performances, but every season also sees its share of underwhelming displays — especially from those expected to shine. IPL 2025 has been no different. While some players have risen to the occasion, a few big names have failed to live up to their billing, letting down fans and franchises alike. From misfiring batters to bowlers lacking impact, these players have struggled to find form, consistency, or match-winning influence. With the playoff race heating up, their poor performances have become glaring. Here's a look at the IPL 2025 Flop XI — a team composed of some of the biggest disappointments so far, proving that reputation alone doesn't guarantee success in the IPL arena;

Top Order

The openers for Flop XI will be Quinton De Kock and Rohit Sharma. Quinton de Kock has played 7 matches in IPL 2025, scoring 143 runs at an average of 23.83 and a strike rate of 137.50. His highest score is an unbeaten 97, and he has registered one half-century so far, hitting 9 fours and 11 sixes across his innings. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma has featured in 7 matches so far in IPL 2025 but has managed just one notable knock — an unbeaten 76*. With a total of 158 runs at an average of 26.33 and a strike rate of 154.90, his form has been underwhelming, despite his lone impactful innings. The number three spot will be of Rahul Tripathi has played 5 matches in IPL 2025, scoring just 55 runs at a disappointing average of 11.00 and a strike rate of 96.49. With a highest score of 23 and no major contributions, his form has been underwhelming, managing only 6 fours and 1 six across his outings.

Also Read:-IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma shares different thoughts than BCCI about Abhishek Nayar's acceptance

Middle Order and All-rounders

The number four spot will be taken by Venkatesh Iyer. Iyer was one of the most expensive picks in the IPL auction, but his performances so far haven’t lived up to the hype. In 8 matches, he has played 6 innings, scoring 135 runs at an average of 22.50 and a strike rate of 139.17. Despite one half-century, consistency is missing. The number five spot will be taken in by Nitish Kumar Reddy.  Reddy has failed to leave a strong impact in IPL 2025. In 7 games, he’s played 6 innings, scoring 131 runs at an average of 21.83 and a strike rate of 113.91. With a top score of just 32 and no half-centuries, consistency has been missing. The number six spot will be taken by Rishabh Pant. Pant was the most expensive player of IPL 2025 at ₹27 crores, has failed to justify his price tag. In 9 matches, he has scored just 106 runs across 8 innings, with a below-par average of 13.25 and a strike rate of 96.36. His only notable knock was a 63-run effort.

The number seven spot will be taken by Glenn Maxwell. Maxwell has had a forgettable IPL 2025 so far. In 6 matches, he’s batted in 5 innings and managed to score just 41 runs, averaging a disappointing 8.20 with a strike rate of 100.00. With no fifties and only one six to his name, the Aussie star has struggled for form. The number eighth will be taken in by Liam Livingstone. Livingstone, too, hasn’t delivered up to expectations. In 7 matches and 6 innings, he’s managed only 87 runs, averaging 17.40 with a strike rate of 127.94. Despite having a fifty to his name, his overall returns have been underwhelming for a player of his caliber.

Bowlers

Mohammed Shami has had a forgettable IPL 2025 so far. In 7 matches, he has bowled 24 overs, conceding 261 runs and picking up just 5 wickets. With a high average of 52.20 and an economy rate of 10.87, his best figures stand at 2/28. He's struggled to make any real impact this season. Matheesha Pathirana has been expensive and inconsistent in IPL 2025. In 6 matches, he has bowled 21.4 overs, conceding 226 runs while taking 7 wickets. With an average of 32.28 and an economy rate of 10.43, his best figures are 2/28. Despite flashes of brilliance, he's struggled to maintain control and impact. Ravichandran Ashwin has had a forgettable IPL 2025 so far. In 7 matches, he has bowled 24 overs, conceding 223 runs and picking up just 5 wickets. With a high bowling average of 44.60 and an economy rate of 9.29, his best figures this season are 2/48, reflecting his underwhelming form.

The BCCI has officially released the central contracts for the 2024–25 season, effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. These contracts are categorized into four distinct grades—A+, A, B, and C—based on a player’s consistency, performance, and overall value to the team across formats. This classification system helps identify top-tier talent and recognizes the importance of players in shaping India’s cricketing future.

Among the most significant highlights of the announcement are the shifts in player placements across the contract grades. Promotions, omissions, and surprising inclusions have sparked widespread discussions among fans and analysts. The list not only reflects current form but also hints at the selectors’ long-term vision. These changes are expected to influence team dynamics and individual player motivation moving forward into a crucial year of Indian cricket.

1. Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan Return to Central Contracts

Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are back on the BCCI’s central contracts after missing out last year because of a lack of commitment to domestic cricket, instead having chosen to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Iyer, who is the leading run-scorer in India's Champions Trophy-winning run, has been handed a Grade B contract with ₹ 3 crore in annual retainers. With the likes of Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik firmly setting themselves up as India's wicket-keepers, Kishan has been handed a Grade C contract worth ₹ 1 crore, quite rightly, in this author's opinion. Both players will now be pleased to have been rewarded in the BCCI's contracts, and again, as demonstrated by Iyer's example, will surely be further incentivized to better balance the potential commitments of the IPL vs. IPL.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Can CSK still make Playoffs after crushing nine wickets loss to MI?

2. Rishabh Pant Promoted to Grade A

Due to Rishabh Pant’s continued success in all three formats of the game, he upgraded from a Grade B Contract to a Grade A Contract worth ₹ 5 crore in annual retainers. He now sits in category A with the likes of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. Pant’s aggressive batting and sharp glovework, especially after his remarkable recovery from a life-threatening car accident in 2022, have solidified his position as a key asset for India.

3. Elite Players Remain in Grade A+ 

The upper echelon remains the same, Grade A+, as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja are all still in Grade A+ at ₹7 crore a year. Bumrah is the only player in this group that plays all three formats, as Sharma, Kohli, and Jadeja are on a retirement spree following India's T20 World Cup victory in 2024. But the fact that they are retained highlights their undeniable role in Indian cricket. 

4. Introduction of New Faces in Grade C

The BCCI has included a few young talents in the central contracts, which included Dhruv Jurel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Abhishek Sharma. All of these players have impressed in their domestic circuits and the IPL, so each of them has a central contract at Grade C (₹1 crore). I view this as an important step forward for the BCCI, for all of these players have obtained their first contracts with the national board, and it shows India is investing in its players as it seeks to fill the talent pool with a healthy crop of players for the future. 

Also Read: Mumbai Indians playoff chances after CSK win: All you need to know

5. Discontinuation of Fast-Bowling Contracts and Questions on A+ Relevance:

The BCCI has withdrawn its fast bowling contracts (not just Bumrah, but Akash Deep and Umran Malik, etc.), and Akash Deep is the only player in Grade C. There should be some concern over the depth of India's fast bowling stocks. Also, there is a discussion on the relevance of the A+ itself, with three of the four (Rohit, Kohli, Jadeja) no longer playing T20I's.

These talking points highlight the BCCI’s balance between rewarding established stars, reintegrating disciplined players, and investing in emerging talent while addressing structural questions about contract categories.

Punjab Kings played good cricket and won two wins in a row in IPL 2025, beating Lucknow Super Giants by eight wickets at Ekana Stadium on Tuesday. This is the fourth time PBKS have started an IPL season with back-to-back victories. The win pushed them to second place in the points table after their earlier win against Gujarat Titans.

After the match, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka had a long chat with PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer, who played a match-winning knock, and Rishabh Pant, who had another tough day.

This game also saw a contest between two of the league’s most expensive players. LSG bought Rishab Pant for ₹27 crore, just ₹25 lakh more than Iyer, but he couldn’t make an impact. He managed only two runs off five balls, taking his total to just 17 runs from 26 balls in three matches so far.

Lucknow Supergiants ke Owner Sanjiv Goenka Shreyas Iyer se baat kr rahe hai.

Abhi koi faida nahi hai sir aap Rishabh Pant ko le kar bahut khus ho rahe the na 😆

Aaj fir pta nahi Captain ko kya bol rahe hai...!!!!😮‍💨😱😳 pic.twitter.com/o2XIOoFVCm

— Gurlabh Singh (@gurlabhsingh610) April 1, 2025

ALSO READ: Watch: Harshal Patel's brutal honest confession about wife on live camera

Goenka was later seen having a serious conversation with Pant, similar to their chat after Lucknow’s earlier loss to Delhi Capitals. He appeared to be pointing his finger at Pant multiple times during the exchange. With this defeat, LSG has now lost two of their first three matches. They will hope to bounce back when they take on Mumbai Indians at home on Friday.

Speaking after the match, Pant admitted that LSG didn’t put up a big enough total. “We were 20-25 runs short, but that’s part of the game. We’re still figuring out the conditions at our home ground. Losing early wickets made things difficult, but everyone is giving their best. We planned for a slow wicket, and the slower balls were stopping a bit. We have to learn from this and move forward. There are a lot of positives, so I don’t want to say too much,” he said.

Everyone was looking at Rishabh Pant when he debuted for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025. Purchased for a record ₹27 crores, the expectations were high.

Things didn't turn out as expected.

Pant got out on a six-ball duck, and fans were left stunned and upset. It didn't take much time for people to react on Twitter (X).

Blind slogger sympathy merchant Rishabh Pant gone for 6 balls duck.

He had created a ecosystem which presented him as a big match winner and a great clutch player, media people & commentators even hyped him in T2OIs & ODIs.

Can't believe Goenka paid 27 crores for him & shame on… pic.twitter.com/PJMzI07FzF

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) March 24, 2025

27 Crore Rishabh Pant Out For 6 Ball Duck In A Match Where LSG Is Scoring At 12 Runs Per Over and batsman like Mitchell Marsh is smashing starc for fun 😂😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/V8wbQMX4b0

— Kevin (@imkevin149) March 24, 2025

Real Selfless 🔥🔥
For money For Country pic.twitter.com/IVT2i8nISi

— Honest Rishabh Pant Fan (@PR_master_Pant) March 24, 2025

There is a reason why bcci choosed kl rahul over Pant 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/EbUKxIFL0k

— 卐💛 (@Mahirat_k_choda) March 24, 2025

Indian wicketkeepers in IPL so far:

•Ishan Kishan- 106(47)
•Dhruv Jurel- 70(35)
•Sanju Samson- 66(37)
•Rishabh Pant- 🦆(6) pic.twitter.com/7Q3MMUKVGk

— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) March 24, 2025

SCORED 1 and 0 in semis and finals of T20 world cup.
Served water in the champions trophy.
Now scored 6 balls duck.

Mr.X factor Rishabh pant, never ever compare him with KL RAHUL. pic.twitter.com/13FxgdHB6b

— KL BASIT (@klbasit1) March 24, 2025

Eat Five-Star do nothing ft. Rishabh Pant pic.twitter.com/tmYGDmwCox

— Absol (@AlasFinished) March 24, 2025

No context KD to Pant 😂 pic.twitter.com/NJ0a4ZKBBt

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 24, 2025

The Biggest Scam in IPL History: Rishabh Pant

- Hyped as an "X-Factor"
- Became IPL’s most expensive player (₹27 Cr)
- LSG owner replaced KL Rahul with him and kept glorifying him
- When it mattered most, he choked—0(6) pic.twitter.com/5RD9N1kl0P

— StarcyKKR (@StarcKKR) March 24, 2025

ALSO SEE: Not Hitman – Another Indian Star Has Hit More Sixes Since 2024

Though some of the fans were angered, others still have faith that Pant will pull through in the forthcoming matches. It's only the first match but with a tag as expensive as that, pressure already starts. 

Let's wait and see how Pant replies in the next match.

IPL 2025: Captains' Salaries and Their Captaincy Records

1. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)- Rishabh Pant - 27cr

Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is now the most expensive player in IPL history. After playing eight years with Delhi Capitals, he will play for a new team in IPL 2025, as Lucknow Super Giants signed him for a record price of 27Cr. Rishabh Pant has played 111 matches in the IPL, with 43 of them as captain. Under his Captaincy, the team has won 23 games, lost 19, and one match ended in a tie.

2.Punjab Kings - Shreyas Iyer: ₹26.75 Crore

Punjab Kings are looking strong ahead of IPL 2025 and they brought last year’s winning captain, Shreyas Iyer, for the new season. On top of that, Shreyas Iyer has set records of ₹26.75 Crore in the mega auction. Shreyas Iyer has played 115 IPL matches, with 69 of them as captain. Under his Captaincy, the team has won 38 games, lost 29, and two matches ended in a tie.

3.Chennai Super Kings - Ruturaj Gaikwad: ₹18 Crore

Ruturaj Gaikwad will continue as Chennai Super King's captain for the second season in IPL 2025. He was one of CSK’s key players retained before last year’s mega auction. The Chennai Super King's franchise bought for ₹18 crore, making him one of their highest-paid players this season. Ruturaj Gaikwad has played 66 IPL matches, with 14 of them as captain. Under his Captaincy, the team won 7 games, and 7 lost.

4.Rajasthan Royals - Sanju Samson: ₹18 Crore

Sanju Samson will continue as Rajasthan Royal's captain for the fifth season of IPL 2025. He got paid more in the retention, with his IPL salary increasing to ₹18 crore. Sanju Samson has played 167 IPL matches, with 61 of them as captain. Under his Captaincy, the team has won 31 games, lost 29, and one match ended in a tie.

ALSO READ: How to Buy LSG VS GT Match NO 26 Tickets :IPL 2025

5.Sunrisers Hyderabad - Pat Cummins: ₹18 Crore

Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins joined Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹20.50 crore in IPL 2024. SRH has kept him as their captain for IPL 2025, and this season, he will earn ₹18 crore this year. Pat Cummins has played 58 matches in the IPL, with 14 of them as captain. Under his leadership, the team has won 8 games and lost 6, with no matches ending in a tie.

6.Gujarat Titans - Shubman Gill: ₹16.5 Crore

Shubman Gill was made captain of Gujarat Titans before IPL 2024 after Hardik Pandya left. At that time, his IPL salary was ₹8 crore. Now, ahead of IPL 2025, GT has kept him for ₹16.5 crore. Shubman Gill has played 103 IPL matches in the IPL, with 14 of them as captain. Under his Captaincy, the team has won 5 games and lost 7, and 2 matches have ended in a tie.

 7.Delhi Capitals- Axar Patel: ₹16.5cr

In IPL 2025 Delhi Capitals announced Axar Patel as a Captain. Delhi Capitals retained Axar for ₹16.5 crore in IPL 2025. He is a very crucial player for the team, contributing with both bat and ball. Axar Patel has been a key player for Delhi Captails in the IPL, performing well with both bat and ball. In 150 matches, he has scored 1,653 runs, with his highest score being 66. He has an average of 21.47 and a strike rate of 130.88. Axar Patel took 123 wickets in the IPL, with an average of 30.55 and an economy rate of 7.28. His best bowling figures are 4/21.

8.Mumbai Indians - Hardik Pandya: ₹16.35 Crore

After a challenging season in IPL 2024, five-time champions Mumbai Indians have trusted Hardik Pandya to lead them again in IPL 2025. He rejoined the team last year for ₹15 crore. Hardik Pandya has played 137 matches in the IPL, with 45 of them as captain. Under his Captaincy, the team has won 26 games and lost 19, with no matches ending in a tie.

9.Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Rajat Patidar: ₹11 Crore

Royal Challengers Bengaluru is beginning a new journey in IPL 2025 with Rajat Patidar as their captain. RCB team takes retention for ₹11 crore this season. Rajat Patidar, a strong middle-order batter, has played 27 IPL matches, scoring 799 runs at an impressive strike rate of 158.85. His highest score of 112* shows his ability to play match-winning innings in crucial games.

10.Kolkata Knight Riders - Ajinkya Rahane: ₹1.50 Crore

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will have Ajinkya Rahane as their new captain for IPL 2025. The experienced batter joined the team for ₹1.5 crore in the mega auction. Ajinkya Rahane has played 185 IPL matches in the IPL, with 25 of them as captain. Under his Captaincy, the team has won 9 games and lost 16, with no matches ending in a tie.