From Auction Stardom to Struggling Careers: IPL Players Who Failed to Live Up to Their Price Tags

IPL 2026 witnessed Chennai Super Kings shocking everyone by acquiring Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma for ₹14.20 crore each, making headlines overnight. However, the history of IPL auctions is filled with players who, like Veer and Sharma, attracted massive bids but failed to meet expectations on the field.

Here’s a look at some of these players:

Shahrukh Khan:
The Tamil Nadu-based finisher was bought by Punjab Kings in 2022 for ₹9 crore after his long six-hitting spells in domestic cricket. While he showed glimpses of power-hitting, inconsistency prevented him from becoming the superstar his price suggested. He was later bought by Gujarat Titans but has not lived up to the hefty tag.

Krishnappa Gautam:
In the 2021 auction, CSK acquired him for ₹9.25 crore, making him the most expensive uncapped player at the time. Surprisingly, he didn’t get a single match that season. Later, LSG bought him at a lower price, but he was never able to justify his original valuation.

Sameer Rizvi:
Purchased by CSK for ₹8.4 crore in 2024, Rizvi was touted as the next Suresh Raina due to his power-hitting. Though he displayed a few good shots, he couldn’t play a match-winning innings that season. At a young age, CSK still sees him as a future investment, so it’s too early to label him a failure.

Pawan Negi:
Delhi Daredevils shocked fans in 2016 by purchasing this all-rounder for ₹8.5 crore, making him the most expensive Indian player at the time. However, under the pressure of his price tag, Negi managed just 57 runs and 1 wicket that season. He never regained his form and has since retired, now playing in league and exhibition matches.

The Highs and Lows of IPL Auctions:
While big-money signings can create headlines, consistent performance on the field is the true measure of success. Players like Veer, Sharma, and the others highlight the unpredictable nature of the IPL auction, where talent, timing, and opportunity must all align to justify a player’s price.