5 underpaid Indian stars in IPL 2025 who deserved extra money

IPL 2025 is almost coming to an end and there have been several Indian players who have been underpaid but have over-performed. From the likes of DC all-rounder Vipraj Nigam to KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, there are several stars who have fared much better than some of the most-expensive buys in the ongoing edition. In this story, we take a look at some of the players who probably had deserved more salary than what they are being paid in IPL 2025.

5 Indians who deserved better pay in IPL 2025

1. Vipraj Nigam (Rs 50 lakhs)

DC have been unable to unearth a hidden gem in this season in the form of Vipraj Nigam. He has not only stood out with his performance with the bat, but has also equally contributed with the ball as well. The 20-year-old has 13 wickets and 142 runs to his name from 14 matches, making him one of the most impactful players from DC in IPL 2025. It is pertinent to point out that DC had acquired Nigam’s services only for Rs 50 lakhs. Given his performance, he surely deserves way more.

2. Ajinkya Rahane (Rs 1.50 crore)

The veteran was purchased just for a sum of Rs 1.50 cr by KKR in the mega auction. He then beat the likes of Venkatesh Iyer or Rinku Singh to become Shreyas Iyer’s successor. The Mumbai batter turned out to be KKR’s most consistent batter in IPL 2025, amassing 390 runs from 13 matches, averaging 35.45. Having put up a performance better than retained stars like Iyer and Rinku, he surely deserves a better pay.

3. Digvesh Rathi (Rs 30 lakh)

The Delhi spinner is another hidden gem who has been unearthed in IPL 2025. Playing his first-ever edition of the tournament, Digvesh emerged as LSG’s leading wicket-taker in the season. Undeterred by the number of fines he was made to pay, Rathi finished with 14 wickets from 12 matches. A consistent wicket-taker, he pretty much shadowed Ravi Bishnoi – who was expected to spearhead the spin unit.

4. Krunal Pandya (Rs 5.75 crore)

The Baroda all-rounder, who was bagged by RCB for Rs 5.75 crore, turned out to be a match-winner for the side in IPL 2025. The veteran bagged 15 wickets and 105 runs from 12 matches. He turned out to be a go-to wicket taking bowler for RCB, something that they lacked since releasing Yuzvendra Chahal. While he was bagged for Rs 5.75 crore, his performances proves that he deserves much more.

5. Aniket Verma (Rs 30 lakhs)

Another hidden gem who was unearthed in IPL 2025 is SRH’s Aniket Verma. The MP batter was bagged just for Rs 30 lakhs in the IPL 2025 mega auction. He turned out to be SRH’s primary finisher, amassing 236 runs in 14 matches, with a highest score of 74.