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One of the most captivating aspects of franchise-based T20 leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) is the price tags that players carry. The IPL draws attention not just for cricket, but also for the high-stakes auctions where teams spend crores on players they believe can help them win the trophy.
While some players justify their hefty price tags with match-winning performances, others fail to deliver. But there’s a third, less-discussed category — players who don’t even get a chance to prove their worth. Whether due to fitness issues or team combinations, a number of high-priced players in IPL 2025 are yet to play this season.
Here’s a look at some of the players who were signed for Rs 2 crore or more but are yet to feature in the ongoing tournament:
Mayank Yadav – Lucknow Super Giants (Rs 11 crore)
Mayank Yadav turned heads in IPL 2024 with his raw pace, regularly hitting speeds above 150 kmph. He set the record of winning back-to-back Player of the Match awards in his first two games and even made his T20I debut for India after playing just four IPL games.
Recognising his potential, LSG retained him for a whopping Rs 11 crore. However, injuries have once again kept the young pacer on the sidelines. Fortunately for LSG, Mayank has joined the Rishabh Pant-led squad after clearance from the BCCI and is expected to return soon.
Despite an inconsistent start, LSG have bounced back and currently sit just outside the top four with five wins in eight games. Mayank’s return could be a huge boost as they push for a playoff spot.
T Natarajan – Delhi Capitals (Rs 10.75 crore)
Known for his pinpoint yorkers and calm under pressure, T Natarajan was a standout performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024, finishing as their highest wicket-taker with 19 scalps. Delhi Capitals went all-in at the auction, securing him for Rs 10.75 crore.
Surprisingly, halfway through IPL 2025, Natarajan is yet to make an appearance. With 67 wickets in 61 IPL games, his experience should be an asset, but DC’s current pace attack — led by Mitchell Starc, Mukesh Kumar, and Mohit Sharma — has been performing well, and Natarajan is believed to be not 100% at the moment.
DC are sitting comfortably in second place with five wins in seven games.
Poll
Which player do you think will make the biggest impact when they finally play this IPL season?
Jacob Bethell – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Rs 2.6 crore)
England’s rising all-rounder Jacob Bethell was picked up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 2.6 crore following a breakout year where he made his debut across all formats for England.
A dynamic left-handed batter, handy spinner, and electric fielder, Bethell last featured for England in an ODI in Nagpur earlier this year. Though RCB have shown strong form — winning five of their eight matches — they’ve relied on Liam Livingstone and now Romario Shepherd in the overseas all-rounder slot.
With the business end approaching and squad rotations likely, Bethell could still get a shot to contribute this season.
Gerald Coetzee – Gujarat Titans (Rs 2.4 crore)
The young South African pacer was bought by Gujarat Titans for Rs 2.4 crore after an impressive stint with Mumbai Indians in 2024, where he picked up 13 wickets in 10 games.
Despite his credentials and all-format international experience, Coetzee hasn’t broken into GT’s playing XI yet. The Titans have been flying high with five wins from seven matches, thanks largely to their formidable bowling lineup led by Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and spinners like Sai Kishore and Rashid Khan.
Even the absence of Kagiso Rabada hasn’t opened the door for Coetzee. However, as the league progresses, injuries and fatigue may bring him into the spotlight.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Kolkata Knight Riders (Rs 2 crore)
Afghanistan’s hard-hitting opener and wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been with KKR since 2023 and was re-signed for Rs 2 crore in the mega auction. Despite being part of their setup for two seasons and playing 14 matches overall, Gurbaz hasn’t played a single game this year.
KKR have opted to go with Quinton de Kock, who has been fairly consistent, including a top score of 97. With the defending champions languishing in the bottom half of the table, team management may hesitate to make drastic changes.
Unless De Kock falters or KKR reshuffle their combination, Gurbaz’s chances look limited.
Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, points table and IPL live score for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Don’t miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap.
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