Matheesha Pathirana. (Photo Source: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become synonymous with franchises making big-money signings in the auctions to secure the best talent for the betterment of their teams in the hope of lifting the trophy at the end of the season.

Sometimes these mega buys do not get a chance to feature in their respective teams. This could be due to multiple reasons, including personal commitments, injuries, team composition, or not getting a green light from their cricketing board to compete in the IPL.

This year has also seen many big-money signings not play for their franchise due to one reason or another. 

Here are the five most expensive players yet to play in IPL 2026: 5. Ben Dwarshuis, Punjab Kings (INR 4.40 crore)

Punjab Kings paid a hefty INR 4.40 crore to secure the services of Australia’s Ben Dwarshuis ahead of the 2026 IPL season. The 31-year-old, however, is yet to play for his new franchise and make his debut in the 20-over tournament.

Dwarshuis is currently behind his compatriot Xavier Bartlett in the pecking order as an overseas fast bowler. The 27-year-old has picked up four wickets in the tournament so far and has been excellent in the death overs.

Marco Jansen’s presence also does not help Dwarshuis’ chances with the South African, a very capable quick bowler, along with a hard-hitting lower-order batter.

4. Mangesh Yadav, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (INR 5.20 crore) Rajat Patidar and Mangesh Yadav. (Photo source: Instagram/Mangesh Yadav)

Defending champions RCB raised a lot of eyebrows when they splashed INR 5.20 crore for an uncapped Mangesh Yadav in the mini auction. The 23-year-old is a left-arm pacer who has played just two T20 games for Madhya Pradesh.

Yadav, however, excelled in the 2025 Madhya Pradesh Premier League, where he finished as the leading wicket-taker. He took 14 scalps in just six outings to impress the RCB scouts.

The fast bowler, however, is yet to don the iconic Red and Black jersey so far this season, with Abhinandan Singh getting the nod ahead of the Madhya Pradesh bowler.

3. Jason Holder, Gujarat Titans (INR 7 crore) Jason Holder(Photo by Shubhajit Roy Karmakar/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Jason Holder came into the 2026 IPL season on the back of some excellent form. He took 10 wickets and scored 141 runs at a strike rate of 174.07 for the West Indies at the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

The all-rounder, however, is still waiting for his chance in a GT shirt. This is mainly down to how the 2022 champions set up their side. Both Jos Buttler and Rashid Khan are guaranteed starters, while Kagiso Rabada remains a vital player in the bowling department. Hence, the only remaining overseas spot is occupied by Glenn Phillips.

With an INR 7.00 crore price tag, it is only a matter of time before Holder gets a game for his new team.

2. Josh Inglis, Lucknow Super Giants (INR 8.60 crore) 

Josh Inglis scored 278 runs from 11 matches at a strike-rate of 162.57 for the Punjab Kings last season. This prompted LSG to spend a whopping INR 8.60 crore for the Australia wicketkeeper-batter.

Inglis, however, is expected to get married in April, which has seen him miss the early stages of the 2026 IPL season. 

The Lucknow-based franchise is thin when it comes to overseas batting options. Apart from Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran, who all start for the team, their only backup option is Matthew Breetzke.

1. Matheesha Pathirana, Kolkata Knight Riders (INR 18.00 crore) Matheesha Pathirana. (Photo Source: BCCI)

KKR spent big on securing the services of Matheesha Pathirana, who had some outstanding seasons with the Chennai Super Kings in the past. The three-time champions saw the Sri Lankan international as their primary overseas pacer.

The 23-year-old, however, was injured and was hence not granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket to compete in the 2026 IPL season until April 12.

Pathirana has now been given a green signal from the SLC board and is set to travel to India to join the KKR setup on April 17.