IPL 2025 Player Release Prediction by Varun Aaron
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 approaches its climax, former India pacer Varun Aaron has stirred the pot with his forthright views on potential player retentions and releases. In a candid discussion posted by ESPNcricinfo on X, Aaron pointed out several high-value players who failed to live up to their billing and may be shown the door ahead of the next season. The cumulative value of three specific names he believes should be released stands at a staggering Rs 61.75 crore.
Here’s a breakdown of his predictions, supported by performances and rationale.
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1. Ravichandran Ashwin (Rs 9.75 Crore) – CSK’s Risk That Didn’t Pay Off
Chennai Super Kings made headlines when they brought back Ravichandran Ashwin for a hefty Rs 9.75 crore, hoping for a nostalgic and effective homecoming. However, the seasoned off-spinner delivered underwhelming returns.
• Stats: 33 runs and 7 wickets in 9 matches
• Bowling Average: Disappointing, with no match-winning spells
• Batting: Virtually no impact
Ashwin, now 38, lacked the edge CSK hoped for. Aaron believes this investment did not pay dividends and recommends the franchise move on to invest in youth and form rather than legacy.
2. Venkatesh Iyer (Rs 23.75 Crore) – A Massive Flop for KKR
The Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to shell out Rs 23.75 crore for Venkatesh Iyer raised eyebrows, and unfortunately, the investment turned into one of the biggest flops of the 2025 season.
• Runs Scored: Just 142
• Average: 20.28
• Strike Rate: Far from impressive
Despite KKR winning the title, Venkatesh failed to justify his price tag. Aaron opined that the pressure of such a massive valuation visibly affected Iyer’s confidence and performance. His release could be inevitable in the next auction cycle.
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3. Rishabh Pant (Rs 28.25 Crore) – A Shocking Fall From Grace
Once India’s most flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant fetched a record Rs 28.25 crore, but endured a disastrous IPL 2025 season. Aaron didn’t mince words, suggesting Pant doesn’t belong in the retention list for Lucknow Super Giants or any other franchise at this point.
• Matches: 13
• Runs: 151
• Average: 13.72
• Strike Rate: Below 100
Pant’s form, attitude, and overall impact have plummeted. Even in a must-win clash, he fell for a meek 7(6), summarizing his dismal season. Aaron believes it’s time for franchises to stop clinging to past promise and focus on present performance.
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4. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra – Kiwi Duo on the Chopping Block?
Aaron also suggested Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra should be released by CSK, despite their international reputation.
• Conway: 156 runs in 6 games at 26.00
• Rachin: 191 runs in 8 games at 27.28
Neither batter could anchor or accelerate effectively for CSK, and their inclusion didn’t boost the team’s fortunes, which saw the franchise finish at the bottom of the table for the first time ever.
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5. Ishan Kishan (Rs 11.25 Crore) – Blow Hot, Mostly Cold
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s investment in Ishan Kishan was seen as a game-changer, especially after he smashed 106* in the opener. But apart from another 94* later in the season, the rest was a story of inconsistency.
• Total Runs: 354 in 14 matches
• Average: 35.40
• Consistency: Only two standout innings
Aaron believes that two knocks alone don’t justify Kishan’s retention, and franchises should seek more consistent wicketkeeper-batters.
6. Mohammed Shami (Rs 10 Crore) – Shadow of His Former Self
Another big name to fall short was Mohammed Shami, who returned just six wickets in nine games at a staggering average of 56.16.
• Economy: Leaky spells in key matches
• Impact: Minimal
Aaron questioned whether such a premium price can be justified for a pacer nearing the end of his career and with declining form.
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7. Ravi Bishnoi – Spinner Exposed Under Pressure
Lucknow’s lead spinner Ravi Bishnoi endured a tough season. Known for his subtle variations, Bishnoi struggled this year.
• Wickets: 9 in 11 matches
• Average: 44.55
• Economy: 10.83
Aaron felt batters had decoded Bishnoi and that LSG might need to rethink their spin strategy going forward.
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8. Mayank Yadav (Rs 11 Crore) – Talent Lost to Injuries?
Aaron also expressed concerns over Mayank Yadav, who was retained for Rs 11 crore after a breakthrough 2024 season. Unfortunately, he spent most of 2025 on the sidelines due to injury and NCA rehab.
• Matches Played: Barely featured
• Fitness: A major concern
• Value for Money: Poor return
While the potential remains undeniable, Aaron stressed that investing so heavily in a player prone to injury is risky business.
9. Nitish Kumar Reddy – A Vote of Confidence Despite Modest Season
In a rare endorsement, Aaron backed 22-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy for retention, even though the youngster didn’t have a standout season.
• Reason: Youth, potential, and long-term value
• Aaron’s Take: Invest in the future, not the past
This suggests that franchises like SRH might look beyond stats and focus on nurturing raw talent.
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10. Ajinkya Rahane – A Veteran Worth Keeping?
In contrast to the bold release calls, Aaron appreciated Ajinkya Rahane for leading KKR’s batting charts with 390 runs in 13 games.
• Performance: Consistent and mature
• Value: Delivered despite not being a marquee signing
Aaron believes players like Rahane show that experience, when combined with form, is a winning combination.
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Final Thoughts: Is a Mega Shake-up Coming?
If Varun Aaron’s predictions come true, the next IPL auction could witness some of the biggest names being released—with a total value of Rs 61.75 crore (and possibly more) freed up. From underwhelming veterans to expensive flops, franchises have tough decisions to make. Aaron’s insights emphasize one harsh truth: price tags don’t guarantee performance, and sentiment has no place in a results-driven league like the IPL.
