IPL 2026: The mini auction for the Indian Premier League 2026 season saw franchises spending heavily on overseas talent. Teams like Kolkata Knight Riders didn’t hesitate to break the bank, expecting match-winning performances in return. However, as the tournament has unfolded, some of these high-profile international players have struggled to justify their price tags.
Here’s a look at five overseas players who have underperformed so far this season:
Cameron Green – A Costly Gamble for KKR
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green tops the list. Bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for a massive ₹25.20 crore, expectations were sky-high. Unfortunately, Green has failed to make an impact with both bat and ball. Whether it’s scoring runs in the top order or picking up crucial wickets, his contributions have been minimal so far—far from what the team had hoped for.
Nicholas Pooran – Struggling with Role Changes
Nicholas Pooran, a key player for Lucknow Super Giants, has also had a disappointing start. Retained for ₹21 crore, Pooran has not been able to find consistency, largely due to frequent changes in his batting position. In five matches, he has managed just 42 runs, which is well below expectations for a player of his caliber.
Liam Livingstone – Limited Opportunities, Limited Impact
Known for his explosive batting, Liam Livingstone hasn’t had much of a chance to shine with Sunrisers Hyderabad this season. Despite being bought for ₹13 crore, he has played only one match so far, scoring just 14 runs. His lack of game time and impact raises questions about the team’s strategy.
Rashid Khan – Below His Usual Standards
Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan, representing Gujarat Titans, has not been at his best either. Retained for ₹18 crore, Rashid is known for being a game-changer, but this season he has taken only 5 wickets in four matches. With the bat, he has added just 24 runs, making it a relatively quiet campaign so far.
Tristan Stubbs – Not Finishing Games for Delhi
South African batter Tristan Stubbs, playing for Delhi Capitals, was expected to play a crucial finisher’s role. Retained for ₹10 crore, Stubbs has scored 109 runs in four matches. While the numbers aren’t terrible, his inability to consistently close out games has been a concern for the team.
Conclusion
Big investments don’t always guarantee big returns, and IPL 2026 is proving that once again. With plenty of matches still left, these players have time to turn things around—but for now, they remain among the biggest disappointments of the season.