IPL 2017: Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) Predicted XI

All-rounders:

Ben Stokes

Pune's big-money signing will have huge expectations on him

Before the IPL Auction 2017, all eyes were on one player, Ben Stokes. And he certainly didn't disappoint as he became the most expensive overseas player ever bought in an auction after he was signed for INR 14.5 crore by Rising Pune Supergiant, who have put all their eggs in one giant Stokes-sized basket.

With Stokes in the side, Pune have a top-six that could scale any target. But the England all-rounder will not only be crucial with the bat but in fact, is more likely to be called upon more with the ball, where Pune don't have a world-class foreign fast bowler to call on.

While the Englishman has shown that he can nail his yorkers, slower balls and trouble the batsman with his ability to hit the deck and put the batsmen on the back foot, he will need to be on his game for the entire group stage if Smith's side are to make it to the playoffs.

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Rajat Bhatia

It is almost impossible to fly under the radar in IPL. With all the cameras that are on you, all the time, it is difficult to find a way to flourish without anyone even noticing. But Rajat Bhatia has forged his entire career by being effective without ever taking home the headlines.

The 37-year-old all-rounder may not have played a single competitive T20 game since IPL 2016 where he turned out to be one of Pune's most impressive bowlers, but there is little doubt about his spot in the side. His ability to keep things and contribute crucial runs lower down the order make him an invaluable asset for any side.