5 players who can steal the limelight in the 2018 IPL auction

The IPL is entering its second decade and the most exciting news so far has been the return of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals after a ban of two years. Two-time IPL-winning captain MS Dhoni, Indian captain Virat Kohli and reigning IPL champion Rohit Sharma have all been retained by their respective IPL sides, Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2018.

All eight teams have retained at least one player ahead of the auctions. However, there were a few surprises as players like KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock were not retained by the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Daredevils respectively.

Let's take a look at five players who can steal the limelight in the IPL 2018 auction.

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#5 Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya was the name on the lips of all Mumbai Indians fans the past couple of years. Mumbai Indians would have considered retaining him as he would have cost them just INR 3 crore. But at the end, they retained their successful captain Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and death over specialist Jasprit Bumrah.

He scored 240 runs and grabbed 10 wickets in the 10th edition of IPL with an economy of 6.82, the least for any Mumbai Indians bowler.

He will be the big catch in the 2018 auction because of his all-around capabilities.

#4 Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan became the first Afghanistani to play in the Indian Premier League, when he donned the orange of the Sunrisers Hyderabad last season. His spin bowling baffled many batsmen, and Rashid emerged as the second highest wicket-taker, with 17 wickets from 14 games at a reasonable economy rate of 6.62.

By the virtue of his IPL performances, he earned a contract in the Big Bash League with Adelaide Strikers.

He will be the hot property in the auction because of his ability to spin the ball and pick the crucial wickets.

#3 KL Rahul

KL Rahul

KL Rahul was bought by RCB in the 9th season of the IPL. He performed fairly well, scoring 397 runs in 14 innings at an average of 44.11 and a strike rate of 146.49, helping RCB reach the finals.

He did not play the 10th edition of the IPL owing to his shoulder injury. However, he is now in phenomenal form. Rahul has the ability to steer his team to win single-handedly so it can be tricky for RCB to buy him back through RTM as his price will sky rocket.

#2 Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal

It is surprising to see that Royal Challengers Bangalore didn't retain the leading wicket-taker of 2017, Yuzvendra Chahal. He picked up 23 wickets in 11 matches at an extremely handy economy rate.

The attacking leg-spinner was one of the key bowlers in the RCB team in the recent past. His wicket-taking ability is one of his biggest strengths and this makes him Virat Kohli's go-to bowler in critical situations.

He was bought for just INR 10 lakh in the 2014 edition and he cemented his spot in the team. It was these performances which helped him grab a place in the international team. Playing for RCB, he finished the 3rd highest wicket-taker in the 2015 edition and the 2nd highest wicket-taker the following season.

#1 DJ Bravo

Dwayne Bravo

It was surprising to see that Chennai Super Kings opted to retain Ravindra Jadeja ahead of Dwayne Bravo. In the IPL, he has picked up 122 wickets in 106 matches at a strike rate of 16.5. He is also an exceptional batsman, well known for his hard-hitting abilities.

Bravo possesses a deadly slower yorker, which has bamboozled many a batsman, dipping in at the last moment after initially appearing to be a juicy full toss.

Bravo is also an electric fielder and is the complete package. So, CSK woud be hoping that his price does not skyrocket in the auction.