IPL 2025: 5 RR players who were benched for majority of the season despite huge salaries

Due to a succession of lackluster performances, the Rajasthan Royals had a dismal IPL 2025 season and ended up in ninth place. Despite having a talented and well-rounded team, the club was unable to generate momentum and was eliminated from the playoffs by a significant margin.

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Unexpectedly, a number of their expensive players were benched for the majority of the season. These costly assets saw little game time, whether as a result of form, fitness, or selection dynamics, which raises concerns regarding usage and planning.

Here are 5 RR players who were benched for the majority of the season despite huge salaries:

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Vaibhav Suryavanshi played in just seven games despite having a high IPL 2025 auction value of INR 1.10 Cr. RR attempted different opening partnerships, but all were unsuccessful. After being given a chance, Suryavanshi smashed 252 runs in 7 games, including a century, a fifty, and a strike rate of more than 200.

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Rajasthan's poor strategy of sticking with their top and middle-order regulars caused Suryavanshi to miss out, wasting time on the bench. He had the potential to revolutionize the RR franchise from the very beginning. The ship had already left for RR by the time RR approached him, and they had been eliminated from the competition.

2. Kwena Maphaka

South African wonderkid Kwena Maphaka was signed by RR for a hefty INR 1.50 Cr fee, but he had very few appearances and didn't put on any standout performances. He had poor scores and no noteworthy bowling statistics.

He went for runs at 10.80 economy while playing two games and taking one wicket. He was consistently left out of the starting lineup as selection decisions favored local and proven international talent. Consequently, despite the expenditure, he was underutilized for the majority of the competition.

3. Fazalhaq Farooqi

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Afghanistan's Fazalhaq Farooqi, who was purchased at a premium of INR 2 Crs for his left-arm pace, played just a few overs in five games for RR during the season, failed to claim a wicket, and gave up runs at a costly economy rate.

Farooqi hardly had a chance since RR favored other seamers who were better suited to their conditions and strategy. He lost a more reliable role on the team because of his lack of early influence.

4. Akash Madhwal

Akash Madhwal, one of the highly regarded bowlers, was purchased by RR for INR 1.20 Cr at the IPL 2025 auction. However, he only played in four matches and bowled a few overs at an economy rate of 11.06%, taking four wickets.

Madhwal was unable to establish a consistent position because RR gave preference to more seasoned seamers and pacers in their rotation. He missed most of the campaign due to his lack of breakout performances.

5. Shivam Dubey

Despite Rajasthan's difficulties in the lower middle order, Shubham Dubey was mostly benched after being selected by RR for INR 80 lakhs for his finishing ability. Despite playing nine games, he was unable to turn his few opportunities into memorable performances. He finished with 106 runs.

 His usefulness was limited because he didn't bowl and had a respectable strike rate. Due to RR's preference for offshore options and more seasoned local batters, Dubey was unable to secure a regular role and watched most of the season from the dugout.

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