Pant and Iyer

The Indian Premier League is a high-stakes battleground where performance outweighs reputation. Every season, franchises invest heavily in marquee players with the hope of seeing game-changing results. But when big names fail to deliver, even the most established stars aren’t safe from being dropped or released. The IPL 2025 witnessed several high-profile players underperforming, falling short of expectations despite their massive price tags. With teams already planning to reshape their squads and free up budgets, a shake-up seems inevitable. Here’s a look at seven big-name players who are likely to be released ahead of the next IPL season.

1. Rishabh Pant (LSG, ₹27 Crore)

Rishabh Pant has had a forgettable IPL as a batter and as a captain.

Once hailed as India’s next big thing in white ball cricket, Rishabh Pant’s 2025 IPL season has been nothing short of disastrous. Bought by Lucknow Super Giants for a massive ₹27 crore and handed the captaincy, Pant failed to inspire either with the bat or as a leader. Scoring just 151 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 107.09, his form was sluggish, with only one half-century to show. LSG, too, suffered a disappointing campaign, finishing outside the playoff spots with just 12 points from 13 matches. For such a lucrative price, Pant’s contribution was minimal. With better options available and budget constraints to consider, LSG may be forced to make a tough call and release the star southpaw.

2. Venkatesh Iyer (KKR, ₹23.75 Crore)

Once KKR’s blue-eyed boy, Venkatesh Iyer, will most probably be shown the door.

After a sensational 2024 season where he racked up 370 runs and played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning campaign, Venkatesh Iyer entered 2025 with big expectations and a hefty ₹23.75 crore price tag. But what followed was a disappointing dip in form. In 11 innings, he managed just 142 runs with a solitary fifty, striking at 139. While the numbers are underwhelming, they also lacked impact, especially considering his role as a top-order aggressor. With KKR grooming younger talent and looking to retain balance in their squad, Iyer’s underwhelming form and sky-high cost might prompt the management to release him and explore fresher, more consistent options next season.

3. Glenn Maxwell (PBKS, ₹4.2 Crore)

Glenn Maxwell has once again flattered to deceive in the IPL.

Glenn Maxwell’s third stint with Punjab Kings seems destined to end like the last two, in disappointment. Despite being one of the most explosive T20 players on his day, Maxwell failed to deliver this season. In 7 matches, he scored a mere 48 runs and managed to pick up only 4 wickets. What makes matters worse is that he never quite found rhythm and has now been ruled out of the IPL with an injury. Even though Punjab Kings have qualified for the playoffs, Maxwell has had no hand in their success. With age not on his side and performances continuing to dip, PBKS are likely to part ways with the Aussie all-rounder ahead of the next season.

4. Ravichandran Ashwin (CSK, ₹9.75 Crore)

Not a season for homecomings, as R. Ashwin too failed to deliver for CSK.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s homecoming to Chennai Super Kings came with a lot of anticipation, but his performances this season didn’t live up to expectations. The veteran spinner played 9 matches and managed to take only 7 wickets, conceding runs at an economy of 9.12; an unusually high figure for a bowler of his experience. At ₹9.75 crore, Ashwin’s returns offered little value, especially when younger spinners across teams consistently outperformed him. With CSK known for making data-driven decisions and planning for long-term stability, retaining an ageing Ashwin after such an average season may not be on the cards. A release seems probable, as the franchise looks to invest in fresh talent and long-term bowling options.

5. Mohammed Shami (SRH, ₹10 Crore)

Mohammed Shami has been rather disappointing for SRH, as it almost feels like the veteran seamer is overstaying his welcome.

Mohammed Shami’s 2025 campaign for Sunrisers Hyderabad has been a tale of inconsistency and decline. Bought for ₹10 crore, expectations were high from the veteran pacer, especially considering his exploits in previous IPL and international seasons. However, the returns have been underwhelming. In 9 matches, he picked up just 6 wickets while bleeding runs at an economy of 11.23; among the worst for a frontline pacer this season. Eventually dropping from the playing XI, Shami looked out of rhythm and struggled with both pace and control. Given his price and current form, SRH are unlikely to retain him for the upcoming season, so they are opting instead to target a younger, more reliable pace option.

6. Jake Fraser McGurk (DC, ₹9 Crore)

Aussie opener Jake Fraser-McGurk will no longer remain with the Delhi Capitals, going by his current form.

Jake Fraser McGurk was a sensation in 2024, known for his explosive starts and fearless batting. That reputation prompted Delhi Capitals to shell out ₹9 crore for his services this season. However, the Australian batter failed to replicate his past heroics, managing just 55 runs across 6 games at a strike rate of 105; a steep fall from his usual standards. With repeated failures and a clear dip in confidence, DC had no choice but to drop him from the playing XI. For a team looking to build a balanced side, Fraser McGurk’s current form doesn’t justify his price. His release ahead of next season seems inevitable unless he has a breakthrough tournament elsewhere before the next edition.

7. David Miller (LSG, ₹7.5 Crore)

David Miller has had an underwhelming season with the Lucknow Super Giants.

David Miller’s stint with Lucknow Super Giants in 2025 has been forgettable. Brought in for ₹7.5 crore as a seasoned middle-order finisher, Miller failed to produce the kind of impact he’s known for. Scoring only 153 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 127, he neither anchored the innings nor finished games when it mattered. With younger finishers emerging across franchises and competition for overseas slots intensifying, Miller’s lack of form and high price tag put him on shaky ground. Having already been dropped from the squad late in the season, LSG may decide to release the veteran South African and redirect their funds toward more dynamic or in-form options.

The IPL is ruthless, and the margin for error is razor thin. Big names, big prices, and big expectations don’t always translate to on-field success. The 2025 season has shown that even some of the most seasoned pros can fall short, and franchises will be eager to reallocate resources smartly in the upcoming auction.

These names, Pant, Iyer, Maxwell, Ashwin, Miller, McGurk, and Shami, are almost certain to be on the chopping block. As teams shift focus toward young blood, form, fitness, and financial viability, expect these once untouchable stars to either be released or see drastically reduced bids if picked again.