IPL 2025: Players Bought For Crores in Auction Still Sitting on the Bench After 25 Matches

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IPL 2025: The IPL 2025 rollercoaster has already sped past 25 games, but some of the most expensive buys of the auction have yet to take the field. With price tags touching the multi-crore mark, these high-profile names continue to warm the benches - raising eyebrows and fuelling heated debates on social media.

As the glitz and drama of IPL 2025 rolls into its third week, there's one glaring subplot that fans and experts can't help but notice - several players bought for eye-popping sums at the auction are yet to set foot on the field.

With every passing game, the spotlight grows hotter on those who came with crores attached, but have so far only warmed the bench.. Fans are questioning the rationale behind such a steep investment if he wasn't going to be blooded early.

Take Rahul Chahar, for instance. Bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for a massive ₹3.2 crore, the leg-spinner has been cooling his heels while the team continues to field an unchanged playing XI. With pitches offering some turn and Chahar known for his IPL experience, the decision has left fans baffled.

Royal Challengers Bangalore, who are infamous for bold auction moves, seem to have outdone themselves this season. Jacob Bethell, the promising Englishman, was snapped up for ₹2.6 crore, but hasn't donned the RCB red yet. Same goes for Romario Shepherd (₹1.5 crore) and Nuwan Thushara (₹1.6 crore), both seen clapping from the dugout while the team's bowling has struggled in crunch moments.

Over at the Punjab Kings, there's a trio of big-buys yet to earn their cap: Josh Inglis (₹2.6 crore), Harpreet Brar (₹1.5 crore), and Aaron Hardie (₹1.25 crore). While Inglis is a regular in Australia's T20 setup, Punjab have preferred local talent, possibly due to the four-foreigner restriction. Still, with results not going their way, fans are calling for changes.

Even Gujarat Titans, the 2022 champions, have kept Gerald Coetzee (₹2.4 crore) away from action. A genuine pace threat, his absence is hard to ignore, especially with the Titans struggling at the death.

Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders have raised eyebrows by keeping both Rahmanullah Gurbaz (₹2 crore) and Rovman Powell (₹1.5 crore) benched. With KKR experimenting at the top, many believe Gurbaz could have been the answer.

Lastly, Kwena Maphaka, South Africa's U19 sensation, was signed by Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.5 crore. Despite his promising World Cup run, the teenager is yet to make the squad, perhaps due to team balance. Still, many feel RR could give the young gun a taste of the action.

As IPL 2025 surges ahead, the clamour to unleash these million-rupee men grows louder. For now, they remain dressed in jerseys but stuck in chairs - proving once again that in cricket, big money doesn't always buy game time.