Worst Playing XI Combination of the IPL 2025 ft. Rishabh Pant

The Indian Premier League IPL 2025 concluded on Tuesday (June 03) with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) claiming their maiden trophy by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a thrilling final by 6 runs.

The 18th season saw some best individual performances filled with extraordinary moments, particularly the uncapped players like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre, and several others setting the stage on fire.

However, teams such as Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Kolkata Knight  Riders (KKR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) couldn’t live upto the expectations. 

Meanwhile, certain individuals delivered a lackluster performance, and all those high-profile players failed to deliver an impressive performance. Let’s take a look at the worst playing XI combination of the IPL 2025.

1. Rachin Ravindra (Overseas): Chennai Super Kings

New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra failed to replicate his form after the Champions Trophy 2025. He managed to score just 191 runs in his first eight matches playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at an average of 27.29 and a strike rate of 128.19. The 25-year-old scored his only half-century this season, which includes his 65-run knock against the Mumbai Indians. However, in the subsequent games, he recorded a string of low scores.

2. Quinton de Kock (Overseas): Kolkata Knight Riders

After releasing Phil Salt, Kolkata Knight Riders signed the Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock for INR 3.6 crores.

But, the 2024 season champions’ plans backfired as the 32-year-old scored just 152 runs in 8 matches, which includes his 97-run knock against the Rajasthan Royals. So, it becomes clear that in the next seven games, the Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman managed to score just 55 runs and ended this season at an average of 21.71 and a strike rate of 129.91. 

3. Venkatesh Iyer: Kolkata Knight Riders

One of the major blunders Kolkata Knight Riders made was releasing their winning captain, Shreyas Iyer, and acquiring Venkatesh Iyer back for INR 23.75 crore. The star all-rounder who played match-winning knocks for KKR in the IPL 2024 managed to score just 142 runs in 11 matches. This includes his only half-century this season at an average of 20.29 and a strike rate of 139.22.

4. Rishabh Pant (Captain and Wicketkeeper): Lucknow Super Giants

The IPL’s costliest player, Rishabh Pant, was acquired for INR 27 crore by the Lucknow Super Giants.

However, the left-handed batter managed to accumulate just 269 runs in 13 innings, including a half-century against Chennai Super Kings and an unbeaten 118-run knock in his team’s last match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Still, his average tallied upto just 24.45 at a strike rate of 133.17.

5. Nitish Kumar Reddy: Sunrisers Hyderabad

Unlike the previous season, Nitish Kumar Reddy had a forgettable campaign in IPL 2025, scoring just 182 runs in 13 matches at an average of 22.75 and a strike rate of 118.95. The all-rounder wasn’t able to score a single half-century and failed to add strength to his team’s middle order.

6. Glenn Maxwell (Overseas): Punjab Kings

Shockingly, Glenn Maxwell scored only 100 runs in the past IPL seasons (in 2024 and 2025). After RCB released him from the squad, it was Punjab Kings who acquired him for INR 4.2 crore during the mega auction.

But the Australian all-rounder delivered a disappointing performance by scoring just 42 runs in 8 matches, averaging at 8 with a subpar strike rate of 97.96. Also, he took just 4 wickets in 7 games and has been a failure for his team this season. 

7. Rashid Khan (Overseas): Gujarat Titans

Hailed as one of the world’s best T20 cricketers, Rashid Khan would be disappointed with his performance in IPL 2025 after coming back from an injury. In 15 matches, he bagged just 9 wickets at an average of 57.11 and ean conomy of 9.35.

8. Ravichandran Ashwin: Chennai Super Kings

Team India’s former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s homecoming with the Chennai Super Kings didn’t go as planned. In 9 matches, he took 7 wickets, averaging at 40.43 and an economy of 9.13. In terms of batting, the 38-year-old scored just 33 runs, which includes his highest score of 13.

9. Mohammed Shami: Sunrisers Hyderabad

Indian veteran pacer Mohammed Shami’s comeback from injury hasn’t been a memorable moment for him. His mediocre performance in the Champions Trophy 2025 was reflected in the recently concluded IPL season. Out of 9 matches, Shami took just 6 wickets for SRH at an economy of 11.13 and an average of 56.17.

10. Ravi Bishnoi: Lucknow Super Giants

LSG’s spinner Ravi Bishnoi was retained by the franchise for INR 11 crore. But IPL 2025 turned out to be one of the worst seasons for the 24-year-old. In 11 matches, he took 9 wickets at an economy of 10.84, averaging at 44.56, and seemed to be completely out of control.

11. Mohit Sharma: Delhi Capitals

Mohit Sharma, known for his death over bowling skills, was easily counterattacked by the opposition team batters. He managed to take just 2 wickets in 8 matches at an average of 128.50 and an economy of 10.28.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Ranking the Top 5 Best Matches of the 18th Season ft. LSG vs RCB

Final List of IPL 2025 Worst Playing XI