5 Big Players Flopping in IPL 2026 So Far - ft KL Rahul, Sanju Samson

IPL 2026 has seen some stunning performers in the Indian T20 league, while the likes of KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, and Cameron Green are among the highest-paid cricketers who have failed to produce a promising performance.

IPL 2026 started with much anticipation built around cricketers like Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishan Kishan, and more. These cricketers had performed stunningly during the last few months in international cricket.

The anticipation was largely built around teams like Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, since they made the biggest trade ever in the history of the IPL. Despite the high expectations, some players have failed to keep up with their good form.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

5 Big Players Flopping in IPL 2026

5. Nicholas Pooran

West Indian wicket-keeper batter Nicholas Pooran is not only one of the costliest players in the history of the competition for the Lucknow Super Giants, but is also one of the most well-known names in world cricket.

Pooran has the reputation of a destructive middle-order batsman, and he has been consistent with his run-scoring. Pooran retired from international T20s after the conclusion of the last IPL, and since then, he has been chasing good form.

Pooran has managed to score just 9 runs in two games and has had a strike rate below 100, which is not likely for Pooran. The batter is crucial to the LSG middle order; however, he has yet to fire in the role.

4. Varun Chakravarthy

Another much-anticipated player from the IPL 2026. Varun Chakravarthy was cited as one of the MVP contenders for this year's IPL, even by cricket experts, ahead of the start of the IPL.

However, the Indian spinner has failed to produce a special performance in the IPL so far. After a poor patch for India in the later stages of the ICC T20 World Cup, where he managed just 5 wickets with an average of nearly 45.

Having played two matches for KKR, Varun gave away 79 runs in 6 overs. He bowled four overs and two overs, respectively, against MI and SRH, and is still wicketless in this edition of the IPL.

3. KL Rahul

Delhi Capitals opener KL Rahul was also cited as one of the best batters in the IPL. He was promoted to the top of the order and was given the permanent role as an opener. However, Rahul, who had a promising season on his arrival at the side, has had a poor run in IPL 2026.

Rahul was dismissed for a golden duck in the first game against the Lucknow Super Giants and was then dismissed for 1 run in the second game against the Mumbai Indians. He is yet to fire for the Capitals this season, but the Capitals have pinned their hopes on him to fancy their chances in the playoffs.

2. Cameron Green

Probably the biggest flop of IPL 2026. The Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Cameron Green was picked for a whopping price of INR 25.20 crore; however, he has failed to justify his price tag with his performance in the IPL.

There have been two main concerns surrounding Green. Firstly, he has not had the finest hand with the bat. In the first game, Green was dismissed for just 18 runs after having made a good start. He was then dismissed for two consecutive single-digit scores.

On the other hand, the biggest concern has been with Cameron Green not bowling a single ball in the IPL. The Australian all-rounder has been restricted from playing a role with the ball due to some injuries.

1. Sanju Samson

Chennai Super Kings probably made the biggest change of this decade, as they brought in Sanju Samson as an opener in the side. After the successful trade was completed, Samson heightened the anticipation with his sheer domination in the ICC T20 World Cup for India.

Samson, however, has produced a string of low scores. After having played three matches for the Super Kings, he has three single-digit scores, averaging less than 8 as an opener. If Samson does not fire in IPL 2026, CSK's woes will never settle for good. Speaking of the failures, he is the biggest failure in the IPL.

ALSO READ: "Punjab will win the final": Virender Sehwag's bold prediction for PBKS after KKR game washout in IPL 2026