The Indian Premier League 2026 is in full swing, and, as in every year, several young players have stepped up and delivered performances that have impressed many. At the same time, some of the most anticipated names, especially those who came with massive price tags, are delivering a flop show so far.

10 most expensive players' performance in IPL 2026 so far

10. Mangesh Yadav (INR 5.20 Crore) – Royal Challengers Bengaluru

A left-arm pacer who can also contribute some valuable runs lower down the order, Mangesh Yadav was bought for a good amount for IPL 2026. However, given RCB's brilliant form this season, he has yet to make his debut and has not been part of the playing XI so far. It will be interesting to see when he gets his opportunity.

9. Jason Holder (INR 7.00 Crore) – Gujarat Titans

Jason Holder returned to the IPL 2026 after a long gap, having gone unsold for three years. Now part of the Gujarat Titans, he is yet to make his appearance this season. A player of his experience can be very useful, but for now, he is still waiting for his chance.

8. Venkatesh Iyer (INR 7.00 Crore) – Royal Challengers Bengaluru

The most expensive buy of IPL 2025, Venkatesh Iyer, had a poor season last year. Now with RCB, things haven’t changed much as he is yet to get a game this season. A surprising situation for a player of his caliber.

7. Ravi Bishnoi (INR 7.20 Crore) – Rajasthan Royals

Ravi Bishnoi’s release from Lucknow Super Giants came as a surprise, but Rajasthan Royals picked him up for a good price before the IPL 2026. He has already shown his worth this season, picking up eight wickets in three games, including a match-winning spell against the Gujarat Titans. Clearly one of the best picks so far.

6. Auqib Nabi Dar (INR 8.40 Crore) – Delhi Capitals

Auqib Nabi Dar became a sensation in domestic cricket last season and was picked by Delhi Capitals for a big amount in the IPL 2026 auction. He is yet to play a game, but the kind of talent he has, he could turn out to be a valuable asset for a side that is already doing well.

5. Josh Inglis (INR 8.60 Crore) – Lucknow Super Giants

Josh Inglis was bought by Lucknow Super Giants with high expectations but he has not been given a chance yet. Still yet to join the campaign, it remains to be seen when the management decides to use him.

4. Liam Livingstone (INR 13.00 Crore) – Sunrisers Hyderabad

The explosive English all-rounder has had a quiet start. He has played just one game and scored 14 runs, and did not look in great touch at all. It was a struggling outing, and SRH will expect much more from him going forward in the IPL 2026.

3. Prashant Veer (INR 14.20 Crore) – Chennai Super Kings

CSK, after a poor last season, went with some young players and brought in Prashant Veer. The bowling all-rounder has shown some promise with 49 runs in two games, including a handy 43 off 29 balls. Still early days, and it’s a bit too soon to judge him completely. The upcoming matches will be important for him, especially as CSK struggle at the bottom of IPL 2026.

2. Kartik Sharma (INR 14.20 Crore) – Chennai Super Kings

Another player CSK brought in to strengthen their batting, but things have not gone as expected. Kartik Sharma has scored just 25 runs in three games with an average of 8.33. It might turn out to be a miscalculation, but there is still time for him to bounce back.

1. Cameron Green (INR 25.20 Crore) – Kolkata Knight Riders

Cameron Green was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a massive INR 25.20 crore in the IPL 2026 auction, surprising many. So far, that call hasn’t worked.

The Australian all-rounder is not bowling due to injury concerns, and with the bat, he has been disappointing. Batting at number three and four, he has scored just 24 runs in three matches with a highest score of 18. Clearly, the biggest disappointment so far.

In the end, it is quite evident that price tags and performances have not really matched this season. Teams have spent heavily, but many of these players are either not part of the playing XI or struggling to deliver.

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