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Even after Royal Challengers Bengaluru broke their 18-year wait for an IPL title in 2025, not all big-ticket signings materialised. In the IPL’s hyper-competitive auction arena, big names and bold bids are just the opening gambit. For RCB, IPL 2025 showed that converting price tags into consistent, match-winning performances is where the true value lies—and that even the most expensive recruits can end up on the sidelines if the returns don’t follow.
Each IPL auction involves some degree of risk, and though RCB's headline stars eventually contributed towards the franchise winning its first trophy, these three pricey recruits are a reminder that in T20 cricket, spending big doesn't necessarily bring match-winning dividends. Here are five of RCB’s most expensive players whose price tags weren’t matched by their performances—and who may find themselves hard-pressed to attract big bids in 2026.
1. Liam Livingstone
The English all-rounder, who was signed to supply firepower in the middle overs, struggled to establish a rhythm. Livingstone, who is known for his big sixes and practical bowling, managed just 112 runs in 10 games, with a solitary fifty serving as the yield on an investment of ₹8.75 crore. In nine overs, he claimed just two wickets with his off-spin and eight dismissals at an average of 16.00. Throughout the season, such numbers let down a player who could change the game.
2. Rasikh Dar
Dar, a promising young local pace bowler, did not quite live up to expectations at Chinnaswamy. With an uncomfortably high economy rate of 11.67 and a bowling average of 70.00, he conceded 70 runs off six overs and claimed only one wicket in the two games he played in. Supporters of RCB were hoping for more than a few cameos that squandered the bowling budget without producing a meaningful result for ₹6 crore.
3. Suyash Sharma
Suyash Sharma was regarded as a champion in his own right because he played for a squad that won the championship the previous season. At a cost of Rs 2.6 crores, Royal Challengers Bengaluru signed him to participate in the 2025 Indian Premier League, even though he only played two games the previous season. He ended up participating in as many as 14 games. However, he only took eight wickets from them, three of which came in a single game; thus, it was not very effective. He has disappointed the team numerous times.
4. Mayank Agarwal
Mayank was not the first choice for the Bengaluru franchise, but had to be called up midway due to injury scares. Devdutt Padikkal, who had been doing a terrific job at number three for the team, was ruled out of the season, and so Mayank found his place.
He did have a decent enough season, although it was not something too impressive to get returns for the next year as well. He got to feature in four matches where he could score 95 runs with an average of 31.66 and a strike rate of 148, without any half-centuries. He may not be able to find teams in the next season.
5. Blessing Muzarbani
A talented right-arm fast bowler from Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani, had a fantastic chance as he got picked by the RCB franchise in IPL 2025. He was picked up as a replacement for an injury scare, but could not get to play in any games. However, being a part of such a huge franchise is something big as well. He might not find a team the next year.
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