For Rajasthan Royals, the IPL 2025 season felt like a long, uphill climb—only without the finish line. Finishing 9th on the table with just 4 wins from 14 games, RR’s campaign was defined by missed chances, inconsistent performances, and a dismal record while chasing. In fact, until their final game, they had managed to chase down a target only once in eight attempts, and even that required a miracle from a 14-year-old debutant.

RR Worst Players in IPL 2025：Names That Didn’t Deliver

Despite showing early promise and boasting a lineup filled with international stars, Rajasthan never quite clicked as a unit. While a few players had their moments, many simply failed to deliver when it mattered most. In this article, we take a look at some of RR worst players in IPL 2025, and how their lack of form or impact contributed to a season that fans will be eager to forget. Whether it was poor returns on investment, patchy performances, or untimely injuries, these names were unfortunately at the center of RR’s struggles.

1. Shimron Hetmyer – Big Money, Low Returns

When RR chose to retain Shimron Hetmyer for a hefty INR 11 crore, it was with the belief that he would anchor the middle order and finish games with his trademark flair. But Hetmyer, who was once seen as a game-changer, failed to deliver on that expectation in 2025.

Shimron Hetmyer’s Batting in IPL 2025

Over the course of 14 matches, the West Indian managed just 239 runs at an average of 21.73, registering only a single half-century. Far from being the finisher RR needed, Hetmyer often fell during crucial moments. Considering the price tag and the expectations that came with it, he’s clearly among the RR worst buys in IPL 2025, and arguably their biggest disappointment with the bat.

2. Jofra Archer – The Pace Ace Who Got Hammered

After missing several seasons due to injury, Jofra Archer returned to the IPL with plenty of buzz. RR were banking on him to lead their pace attack, but his performance left much to be desired. Across 12 matches, Archer claimed 11 wickets, but at a steep economy rate of 9.47, often conceding runs in high-pressure moments.

Jofra Archer’s Bowling in IPL 2025

His lowest point came early in the season when he registered the most expensive bowling figures in IPL history—4 overs, 76 runs, 0 wickets against Sunrisers Hyderabad. It was a brutal night that set the tone for a largely ineffective campaign. For a bowler of his caliber, these numbers were far from acceptable, earning him a firm place among RR worst players in IPL 2025.

3. Fazalhaq Farooqi – A Forgettable Addition

Signed for INR 2 crore, Afghan seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi was seen as a budget-friendly bowling option who could add variety to the pace department. Unfortunately, his season never got off the ground. In 5 appearances, Farooqi bowled 102 deliveries, conceded 210 runs, and didn’t pick up a single wicket.

Fazalhaq Farooqi’s Bowling in IPL 2025

With an eye-watering economy rate of 12.35, he struggled to build any rhythm or earn the captain’s confidence. Although not the most high-profile signing, his inability to make any impact means he comfortably lands in the discussion of RR worst buys in IPL 2025.

4. Wanindu Hasaranga – Underwhelming Returns from a Star Spinner

While Wanindu Hasaranga wasn’t a complete flop, his IPL 2025 performance didn’t live up to the high standards he’s set globally. The Sri Lankan all-rounder played 11 matches and picked up 11 wickets, sharing the top spot in RR’s wicket-takers list with Archer and Theekshana. But his economy rate often hovered above the acceptable mark, and he lacked the match-defining spells that RR desperately needed from their lead spinner.

Wanindu Hasaranga’s Bowling in IPL 2025

Hasaranga’s secondary role with the bat also yielded almost nothing—just 9 runs in 5 innings, which offered little depth to an already fragile lower order. Given his reputation as a genuine T20 all-rounder and the team’s lack of finishers, the franchise likely expected a more rounded contribution. Though not among the RR worst players in IPL 2025 in terms of stats alone, his muted impact makes him a mention-worthy underperformer in the broader context.

5. Sanju Samson – A Captain Handcuffed by Injuries

Sanju Samson started the season strong, scoring 285 runs in 9 games at a healthy average of 35.62, and a strike rate of 140.39. However, just as the team needed stability, his season was disrupted by injury—causing him to miss key matches during RR’s mid-season slump.

Sanju Samson’s Batting in IPL 2025

In his absence, stand-in captain Riyan Parag took over, but under his leadership, RR managed to win only 2 of 8 games. The team looked disoriented and lacked the calm leadership that Samson often brings. While Sanju may not belong on the list of RR worst players in IPL 2025 based on numbers, his limited presence due to injury played a significant role in Rajasthan’s overall decline.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 IPL campaign was a tale of what-could-have-been for RR. Misfiring big names, weak chasing ability, and inconsistency across departments meant they finished a disappointing 9th in the league. Players like Shimron Hetmyer, Jofra Archer, and Fazalhaq Farooqi drew criticism for failing to justify their roles or price tags—landing firmly among the RR worst players in IPL 2025. A couple of these—especially Hetmyer and Farooqi—can also be tagged as RR worst buys in IPL 2025, considering the return on investment.

Your Men in Pink will return in 2026. 💗 pic.twitter.com/dhr1uEr2jo

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 21, 2025

Even players like Wanindu Hasaranga, who had decent wicket tallies, didn’t quite deliver the game-changing moments that RR needed. And with Sanju Samson’s absence, the leadership vacuum only widened the cracks. As RR look ahead, the franchise will need to reflect deeply on its auction decisions, injury management, and team balance. Because in a league as competitive as the IPL, teams that don’t evolve quickly get left behind.