IPL 2025: Top 5 Most Overpriced Players from the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

The 2025 IPL Mega Auction ended in Jeddah on November 24th and 25th. While all the teams moved on to rebuild their respective squads, they purchased several players for colossal sums of money. Following a tremendous two-day event that saw 577 participants go under the hammer, teams with increased player purses of INR 120 Crores made competent choices and built their squads to cater for their next three years' prospects.

But, certain purchases have resulted in the franchise breaking the bank to obtain its playability. However, these offers have left many wondering whether the price tag they provided is justified. That said, here are the top five pricey bids from the recent 2025 IPL Mega Auction.

Venkatesh Iyer- INR 23.75 Crores (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Kolkata Knight Riders spent a big bank on Venkatesh Iyer. The reigning champions repurchased their ace southpaw for a hefty INR 23.75 crore, making him the most expensive allrounder being acquired. Fans were taken aback when the Kolkata outfits agreed to pay Iyer such a high price. His paycheque last season was a decent INR 8 crores, which has increased significantly through the recently concluded 2025 IPL Mega Auction.

While it was understandable for KKR to repurchase a top-order batter from their title-winning side, the sum paid for Venky Iyer seemed to be exorbitant. In his IPL stint of 50 matches, he has made 1326 runs, averaging over 32 and scalped three wickets.

Jitesh Sharma- INR 11 Crores (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru purchased Jitesh Sharma at the recent Mega Auction. But the keeper could see himself being sold for a large sum, which was a shock for many. Given his decline in performance since last season, it was a surprise when RCB signed him for a whopping INR 11 crores. Several fans and reviewers have expressed reservations about Jitesh's high price.

However, given the franchise's new ideals and game plan of developing young players, Jitesh Sharma will likely be a worthwhile investment as a long-term wicketkeeper. However, it sparks much debate among fans and critics about whether the price tag is justified. He has scored 730 runs in 40 matches, with a fantastic strike rate of 151.14. 

Jofra Archer- INR 12.5 Crores (Rajasthan Royals)

Jofra Archer had a reunion stint in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. The English speedster was initially excluded from the auction, but a few days before, he obtained his NOC (No Objection Certificate) and registered his name. At the auction, Rajasthan Royals purchased him for 12.5 crores. Archer has had several injuries throughout the years, and he could never produce some crucial spells for the Mumbai Indians. 

But now that RR has spent so much money on the ace speedster, it would be interesting to see the Englishman's homecoming performance. In 35 IPL appearances, he has taken 46 wickets at an economy rate of 7.13.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Top 5 Most Expensive Players from the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Noor Ahmad- INR 10 Crores (Chennai Super Kings)

Noor Ahmad made his IPL debut for the Gujarat Titans in 2023 and was an instant success, taking 16 wickets in 13 games. Though his form slipped the previous season, he took just ten wickets in 10 games. And at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, the Chennai Super Kings signed him for a whopping ten crores, representing a 3233% salary increase. Interestingly, GT was on a basic salary of 30 lakhs.

Given Noor Ahmad's just a mere few appearances for his national team, the new price tag appears to be far too much. Interestingly, in IPL 2021, he was a nets bowler for CSK, which might be the key reason for having him onboard to the yellow side. In 23 IPL matches, he has taken 24 wickets at an economy rate of eight.

Josh Hazlewood- INR 12.5 Crores (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

The Australian quickie, Josh Hazlewood, has had a reasonably strong position in the IPL, though he might not be the ideal pacemaker in the shortest format overseas. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have repurchased him for Rs 12.5 crore. Having already contributed to RCB's successful 2021 season, Hazlewood is expected to spearhead their speed assault again.

His demonstrated ability to generate bounce and movement will considerably improve RCB's fast bowling department. However, his lack of familiarity and poor stats might hurt the team's bowling mix, exposing it to be too expensive. His IPL record consists of him playing only 12 matches and scalping 12 wickets at an economy of 7.93.