IPL 2026: Ranking 7 Big-Money Stars Who Failed to Shine
Every year, the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction transforms the cricketing landscape, with franchises splurging colossal sums on players they believe will be game-changers. These record-breaking bids generate immense excitement, but they also place an unimaginable weight of expectation on the shoulders of the athletes. While some players rise to the occasion, others struggle to justify their hefty paychecks, turning into significant liabilities for their teams.
IPL 2026 has been a stark reminder of this reality. Despite franchises investing hundreds of crores, a notable cohort of big-money stars has failed to deliver, their underperformance directly correlating with their teams’ struggles. The disappointment is palpable, prompting questions about recruitment strategies and the psychological toll of high price tags. Here, we rank seven of IPL 2026’s most notable big-money disappointments, from the most impactful failures to the most shocking dips in form.
1. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya’s return to Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2024, coupled with his controversial appointment as captain, was one of the IPL’s biggest talking points. Having led Gujarat Titans to a title in 2022 and a runner-up finish in 2023, he was seen as the perfect heir to Rohit Sharma. However, his captaincy in 2024 saw MI finish last. Despite this, MI retained him at a substantial price for 2025, where, as previously mentioned, he helped orchestrate a phenomenal comeback.
Fast forward to 2026, and MI are practically eliminated from playoff contention with seven defeats in nine matches. Pandya’s personal form, both with bat and ball, has been abysmal. He has managed just 148 runs in 8 matches at a dismal average of 20.85 and a strike rate of 136, with a high score of only 40. With the ball, he has picked up only 4 wickets at a staggering average of 61.50 and an economy rate hovering just under 12 runs per over. His all-round failure and captaincy struggles make him the season’s biggest disappointment.
2. Cameron Green
All-rounders who can bowl pace are a precious commodity in the IPL, and Cameron Green certainly fits that mould. Mumbai Indians shelled out a massive ₹17.5 crores for him in 2023, and he repaid their faith with over 400 runs, including a century. After a decent 2024 with RCB, he missed 2025 due to injury. Yet, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made him the highest-paid overseas player in IPL history for 2026.
However, Green arrived with a restriction from Cricket Australia, preventing him from bowling, which immediately hampered KKR’s plans. His batting has also failed to fire consistently. In 9 matches, he has scored just 199 runs at an average of 28.42 and a strike rate of 152, including one half-century (79). When he has been allowed to bowl, his figures are equally concerning: 3 wickets at an average of 43.67 and an economy of almost 12 runs an over. KKR’s initial six-match winless streak can partly be attributed to Green’s inability to impact games as expected, making him a very expensive flop.
3. Rishabh Pant
The 2025 IPL auction saw Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) desperately seeking a new captain after parting ways with KL Rahul. After missing out on other targets, LSG went all-in on Rishabh Pant, making him the highest-paid player in IPL history. Unfortunately, his performances did not match the monumental price tag. Pant was largely out of form in 2025, and his captaincy failed to inspire, even though he scored a century in the last match which his team still lost.
In 2026, neither Pant’s individual form nor LSG’s team fortunes have improved significantly. In 9 matches, Pant has accumulated just 204 runs at an average of 29.14 and a strike rate of 129.11. His highest score for the season is 60*. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, the consistency and match-winning impact expected from the IPL’s most expensive player, especially a captain, have been conspicuously absent, leaving LSG struggling near the bottom of the table.
4. Suryakumar Yadav
Since rejoining Mumbai Indians in 2018, Suryakumar Yadav, affectionately known as ‘SKY,’ became an integral part of their championship-winning squads in 2019 and 2020. Even after their title drought, SKY remained a consistent run-scorer. The 2025 mega auction saw MI retain him for a hefty ₹16.35 crores, a decision that seemed fully justified as he spearheaded MI’s phenomenal comeback, breaking the record for the most runs by an MI batter in a single season with 717 runs. He even set a T20 world record by scoring 25 or more in all 16 matches last year.
However, 2026 has presented a shocking downturn in form for the prolific batter. As MI’s playoff hopes dwindle, SKY’s poor show is a major contributing factor. In 9 matches, he has managed only 183 runs at a modest average of 20.33 and a strike rate of 144, including just one half-century. His dramatic drop from a record-breaking season to such subdued numbers is arguably one of the most shocking individual performance slumps of IPL 2026.
5. Nicholas Pooran
Initially signed by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for ₹16 crore in 2023, Nicholas Pooran made an immediate impact, showcasing his explosive hitting. Following impressive performances in both 2023 and 2024, he was retained for his significant current price tag ahead of the 2025 mega auction. Even in 2025, Pooran continued his good form, despite LSG failing to make the playoffs.
However, IPL 2026 has seen a dramatic dip in Pooran’s performance, coinciding closely with LSG’s struggles. In 9 matches, the hard-hitting left-hander has scored a mere 145 runs at a paltry average of 16.11 and a strike rate of just 118.25. These disappointing numbers include only a solitary fifty, with a high score of 63. For a player retained for such a substantial amount, his lack of impact has been a significant concern for the LSG management.
6. Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s journey from an uncapped batter to captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2024 is a testament to his talent and growth. During this period, he won two IPL titles with CSK (2021 and 2023), secured the Orange Cap in 2021, and was CSK’s second-highest run-scorer in 2023. His consistent performances made him an appealing choice for captaincy. In his first year as captain (2024), CSK narrowly missed the playoffs.
For the 2025 mega auction, he was retained in the highest price bracket but suffered a mid-season injury, leading to CSK finishing last. In 2026, CSK are once again struggling, with only 4 wins in 9 matches under Gaikwad’s leadership. While he has made two unbeaten fifties, his batting form has been inconsistent, accumulating 245 runs in 9 matches at an average of 35, but with a relatively subdued strike rate of just 126. As a retained captain in the highest bracket, more impactful performances were certainly anticipated.
7. Trent Boult
Trent Boult was a revelation for Mumbai Indians in 2020, spearheading their attack to a record fifth IPL title with 22 wickets, predominantly striking in the powerplay. In the 2022 mega auction, Rajasthan Royals acquired him, and he continued to perform well for them. He returned to MI in 2025 and made an immediate impact, forming one of the best bowling partnerships with Jasprit Bumrah.
However, in IPL 2026, Boult has notably failed to hit the same form or consistency that made him so dangerous. In the 5 matches he has played, he has managed to pick up just 2 wickets, at an alarmingly high average of 94 and an economy rate of 11.62. For a player known for providing crucial early breakthroughs and being a death-overs specialist, Boult’s severely diminished returns represent a significant underperformance for MI, adding to their woes this season.
All stats are accurate up to the first innings of the match on May 4, 2026.
