IPL 2025: List Of Highly Paid Players Who Are Yet To Play A Match

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just famous for the high-level cricketing action but also for providing high-value contracts to renowned international and local stars. Teams typically spend a lot of money on particular players, hoping against hope that they will be able to change games. Even if they are not cheap to buy, there are some big names that have not appeared in IPL 2025 yet.

Be it because of injuries, combinations for the team, or the rule of the Impact Player, such high-priced players have been held back on the bench.

Top 5 high paid players so far not getting a game for IPL 2025 and their reasons for continuing to stay sidelined

5. Rovman Powell – INR 1.50 Crore (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Rovman Powell, the firebrand West Indian all-rounder, was retained by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for his base price of INR 1.50 crore. Though it may be small compared to others on this list, it is still a hefty investment for a team like KKR, given his experience.

Even though he had a high-impact last season with the Rajasthan Royals, scoring 103 runs at a scorching strike rate of 151.47, Powell hasn’t played in a single game this season. This is because of the perennial performances by the likes of Andre Russell and Rinku Singh, which are making it difficult for Powell to find a spot in the playing XI.

4. Gerald Coetzee – INR 2.40 Crore (Gujarat Titans)

Promising South African pacer Gerald Coetzee was picked by the Gujarat Titans (GT) for INR 2.40 crore. With his attacking pace and ability to pick wickets, Coetzee looked a probable starter in IPL 2025.

But a combination of recent injury issues and GT’s dependence on their in-form Indian pacers has kept Coetzee out. Earlier with the Mumbai Indians, he took 13 wickets in 10 games in his debut season, revealing his promise at the top level.

3. Jacob Bethell – INR 2.60 Crore (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Young English prospect Jacob Bethell was acquired for INR 2.60 crore by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The 21-year-old all-rounder has been creating ripples in the English domestic scene, especially in the Vitality Blast, where he amassed 361 runs at 36.10 average and 153.61 strike rate.

Notwithstanding the fanfare, Bethell has yet to make his debut in the IPL, maybe because the team still prefers tried international stars like Liam Livingstone. His promise continues to be wasted this season, but he could still have a debut if things change regarding the team.

2. Thangarasu Natarajan – INR 10.75 Crore (Delhi Capitals)

One of the biggest shocks to miss out on this season is Thangarasu Natarajan, who was selected by Delhi Capitals (DC) for a whopping INR 10.75 crore. With his accurate yorkers and death-over skills, Natarajan was supposed to be DC’s game-changer.

However, despite his impressive 2024 season for Sunrisers Hyderabad, when he claimed 19 wickets in 14 matches, he has played no game for DC in IPL 2025. With Mitchell Starc, Mohit Sharma, and Mukesh Kumar in top form, the team has not yet needed to rotate their fast bowlers.

1. Mayank Yadav – INR 11.00 Crore (Lucknow Super Giants)

Right at the top of the list of unplayed players for IPL 2025 is Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)-retained Mayank Yadav, sold for a whopping INR 11 crore. The aggressive young pacer set IPL 2024 alight in the limited number of games he appeared in, with exceptional figures of 3/14 against RCB.

Sadly, Yadav’s season has been sidetracked by injuries. Although he is now back with the team and fit, he hasn’t played in the past couple of games. With LSG going through the business end of the tournament, they might look to introduce Mayank’s raw speed to enhance their bowling resources.

Final Thoughts

The IPL 2025 season has witnessed some franchises going for aggressive investments that have not yielded results yet, at least in on-field appearances. These expensive players yet to appear in IPL 2025 might still turn out to be game-changers as the tournament goes on.

Whether it’s recoveries from injury, tactical switches, or experimental strategies, the fans can be sure to see some of these names illuminate the field in no time.

ALSO READ: Cricket In Jammu And Kashmir: A Lost Chapter In Indian Cricket History