The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has reached a critical juncture. With the tournament intensifying and reached the half way, several prominent players find their careers at a crossroads. Franchises are no longer willing to invest in reputations alone. Performance, consistency, and adaptability have emerged as the key metrics, pushing many established names into murky waters. This season, fans have witnessed underwhelming performances, injury setbacks, and fading form among players who once dominated headlines. Let’s explore some of the top names whose IPL futures now seem uncertain.
Rohit Sharma: The Veteran on the Decline
Rohit Sharma, one of Indian cricket’s most celebrated batters and a former Mumbai Indians captain, continues to face tough questions about his place in the IPL. Though Mumbai Indians retained him for the 2025 season, his performance hasn’t lived up to expectations. His batting has lacked the aggression and timing that once defined his innings. In key matches, he has failed to provide solid starts or accelerate when needed, leading to Mumbai’s lack of momentum in the powerplay overs.
While his leadership experience remains invaluable, the younger core of the team appears ready to take charge. If Mumbai decide to rebuild around a more aggressive, younger core, Rohit’s long-standing presence could come to an end. With another mega auction on the horizon, the franchise may part ways with the veteran to make room for newer talent.
Rishabh Pant: Big Price, Inconsistent Results
Rishabh Pant made headlines this season by switching to the Lucknow Super Giants for a record ₹27 crore. The move generated massive expectations, with fans and analysts hoping for match-winning knocks and innovative captaincy. However, the reality has been far from ideal.
Pant’s performance with the bat has been erratic. He has struggled with timing and shot selection, often getting dismissed while attempting high-risk shots at inappropriate moments. While his recovery from a life-threatening accident was commendable, his game seems to lack the stability and control he once exhibited. With the franchise investing heavily in him, his lack of impactful innings is becoming difficult to justify. If his form doesn’t pick up soon, Lucknow may consider building their strategy around a more consistent performer.
Glenn Maxwell: Injuries and Ineffectiveness
Glenn Maxwell, the explosive Australian all-rounder, has endured a frustrating IPL 2025. A fractured finger ruled him out mid-season, but even before the injury, his contributions remained minimal. Across six matches, he scored just 48 runs and took four wickets—numbers that pale in comparison to his previous IPL seasons.
Maxwell’s aggressive style depends heavily on rhythm, and this season he never seemed to find it. His spin bowling, often a useful option, also failed to trouble batters. With age catching up and his fitness becoming a concern, franchises may rethink retaining him at high cost. The 2025 season could very well mark a downward turn in his IPL career.
Rashid Khan: An Unexpected Dip
Rashid Khan, long considered one of the most dependable bowlers in T20 cricket, has seen a rare dip in form this season. Representing Gujarat Titans, he has taken only seven wickets in ten games. His deliveries have lacked their usual zip and control, and batters have succeeded in neutralising his threat by playing him out safely or targeting specific overs.
What makes Rashid’s decline particularly concerning is his crucial role in Gujarat’s bowling plans. His struggle to make breakthroughs or maintain tight economy rates has left the team vulnerable during middle overs. While it’s unlikely that one poor season would cost him a place in the league, his invincibility is now in question, and future contracts might reflect a more cautious valuation.
Venkatesh Iyer: Burden of Expectations
Kolkata Knight Riders placed immense faith in Venkatesh Iyer by acquiring him for a hefty ₹23.75 crore. He started the season with expectations to dominate with both bat and ball, but his performance has been lukewarm. With only 135 runs in eight matches and limited success with the ball, Iyer has not lived up to his billing.
The burden of the price tag seems to have impacted his natural game. His aggressive flair at the top of the order, which once made him a rising star, has diminished under pressure. Kolkata may revisit their strategy and seek alternatives, especially if younger all-rounders emerge as more cost-effective options.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Collective Underperformance
Sunrisers Hyderabad entered IPL 2025 riding high on the success of the previous season, where they finished runners-up. However, this year, their campaign has fallen apart. Core players like Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, who were instrumental last season, have struggled with form and consistency.
The team’s bowling attack, especially the spinners, has failed to contain opposition batters, leading to massive totals and demoralising defeats. With the franchise’s morale low and its playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the management may clean house. A significant roster overhaul could leave many current players without contracts in 2026.
Rajasthan Royals: Faulty Strategy, Missed Potential
Rajasthan Royals retained key players such as Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal, hoping to build on last season’s positives. Unfortunately, both players have had inconsistent runs. The Royals also failed to effectively utilise their bench strength, and some tactical decisions during matches backfired.
The franchise’s auction strategy, often reliant on a few big names, didn’t deliver this time. Their overdependence on certain players created a fragile structure that opponents easily exploited. The Royals may need to reconsider their retention policy, placing some of their long-term stars in uncertain positions.
Changing Landscape: Careers Beyond the Field
As the IPL grows more competitive, even star players must constantly prove their value. The league no longer guarantees longevity based on past success. Franchises are increasingly driven by data, match impact, and return on investment. The financial stakes are too high to accommodate sentiment over strategy.
At the same time, the evolving structure of IPL opens doors beyond playing—coaching roles, commentary, mentoring, and analytics-based positions offer former players a chance to stay connected to the game. Those facing potential exits may transition into these new opportunities if they fail to meet expectations on the field.
Conclusion: IPL’s Ruthless Reality
IPL 2025 has served as a stark reminder that the tournament is as much about survival as it is about stardom. For every emerging hero, there’s a seasoned player grappling with fading form and uncertain future. As the league barrels toward the playoffs and eventual mega auction, several iconic players face career-defining months.Some may bounce back and prove critics wrong, while others might quietly bow out or find alternate roles within cricket’s growing ecosystem. Regardless, one thing is clear—performance remains the only currency that matters in the IPL, and players can no longer rely on past glory to secure their future.
