IPL 2026: Team-wise worst picks of the tournament

IPL 2026: Team-wise worst picks of the tournament (Source: IPL/BCCI)

The IPL 2026 season brought incredible drama, unforgettable matches, and some auction surprises. While many expensive signings proved their worth, others failed to deliver on the big stage. For every match-winning performance, there was a high-priced star who could not justify the price tag. From premier overseas players to trusted domestic veterans, several picks turned out to be disappointments.

Here is a team-by-team look at the worst picks of IPL 2026: 

CSK- Prashant Veer 

Prashant Veer made history at the IPL 2026 auction when he became the joint-most expensive player. His services were acquired by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a whopping amount of INR 14.20 crore. The Uttar Pradesh all-rounder was tipped as Ravindra Jadeja’s successor for the five-time champions, but the season turned out to be far from perfect for him.

Prashant managed to play only six matches in IPL 2026, amassing 90 runs with the bat at a strike rate of 134.33, of which he scored 43 runs in one innings. With the ball, it seemed like CSK and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad did not trust him enough, as he was given just two overs throughout the season.

MI- Danish Malewar

The five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) secured the services of Danish Malewar for INR 30 Lakh at the 2026 IPL auction. The young batter from Vidarbha had a great domestic season, and expectations were high from him. But it was a disappointing season for him, as he could only manage two runs in two innings for MI.

KKR- Matheesha Pathirana

Three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured the services of Sri Lanka’s premier pacer Matheesha Pathirana for a massive price of INR 18 crore during the IPL 2026 auction. He was one of the costliest buys of the auction. But the season was filled with injuries for him. Featuring just one match for KKR, he was out injured again after bowling just eight balls for them.

SRH- Liam Livingstone

The English all-rounder Liam Livingstone was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for a staggering price of INR 13 crore during the IPL 2026 auction. Despite high expectations, it was a poor season for him as he managed to play only two matches, scoring only 15 runs at a strike rate of 60. He was not used by SRH with the ball either.

RR- Adam Milne 

The New Zealand right-arm pacer Adam Milne was picked up by Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the price of INR 2.40 crore during the IPL 2026 auction. The 34-year-old had a poor season, with him featuring in just one match for RR. The duo of Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger was preferred over him as overseas pacers in most of the matches.

GT- Ashok Sharma

Ashok Sharma was picked up by Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 auction for a price of INR 90 Lakh. He had a stellar Syed Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), finishing the competition as the highest-wicket-taker. He played six matches, picking up just six wickets at an economy rate of 10.86. GT would have expected better from him.

LSG- Anrich Nortje

The express pacer from South Africa was bought by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2026 auction price of INR 2 crore. The veteran pacer was not used much by the Rishabh Pant side, as he played only a single match throughout the season, conceding 39 runs in four overs without picking a wicket.

PBKS- Ben Dwarshuis

The Australian all-rounder Ben Dwarshuis was Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) costliest buy at the IPL 2026 auction, who splashed INR 4.40 crore on him. The season, though, was far from ideal for him. Dwarshuis was not used much by PBKS, playing just one match, where he conceded 51 runs in his four overs, while picking up a wicket.

DC- Auqib Nabi

The Jammu and Kashmir pacer bowler had a stellar Ranji Trophy, leading them to their first-ever Ranji Trophy victory. He was picked up by Delhi Capitals (DC) for a massive price of INR 8.40 crore at the auction, and the expectations were high. He played five matches for DC conceding runs at an economy rate of 11.46. He failed to pick any wickets.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.