IPL 2018: 4 big money signings who are worth every penny of their price

The Indian Premier League (IPL) always comes down as a lottery for many cricketers, and those who manage to win it regard themselves as the luckiest. But with great money comes greater responsibilities and it is often more difficult to perform with an inflated price tag hovering around a player's mind.

Hence, we have witnessed many million dollar babies turning out to be big flops in the IPL. But on the flip side, we have seen players justifying every penny that they get as well. Here is a list of 4 big money signings who have proved their owners right by giving awe-inspiring performances.

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#4 Dinesh Karthik (Kolkata Knight Riders)

The pressure was double in case of Dinesh Karthik, as he not only had to perform with the bat but also had to step into the enormously successful shoes of former KKR skipper Gautam Gambhir. With a price tag of INR 7.4 crores, Karthik took control of KKR's ship during a time of turbulence.

He has done an exceptional job with the bat and his captaincy did not have many loopholes either. Karthik has scored 194 runs in 6 games at a marvellous average of nearly 50. His strike rate has been over 135 and under his captaincy, KKR have won three out of their six games. Though he might need to improve a bit on the leadership front, Karthik has been able to rationalize his price tag.

#3 Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals)

Sanju Samson is having his best IPL campaign in 2018

With neat and tidy glovework and sound batting technique, Sanju Samson was once considered as India's next limited overs wicket-keeper batsman after MS Dhoni decided to call curtains on his career. However, inconsistency has been Samson's main problem so far. Despite knowing that, Rajasthan Royals spent INR 8 crores on him.

The main architect behind Samson's RR contract must be very happy now as the batsman has once again started to knock on the doors of the national selectors. He has scored 239 runs in 6 games at an average of over 45. His strike rate of 150 is just as prolific. Samson's knock of 92 runs from just 45 deliveries against RCB speaks volume about the talent this lad possesses. He needed to utilize it well and he is doing that in this season.

#2 Krunal Pandya (Mumbai Indians)

Krunal Pandya has checked all three boxes for Mumbai Indians

When Kings XI Punjab owner Preity Zinta was raising her paddle for every other name that came at the auction, Mumbai Indians were sitting patiently. They were waiting for their old warhorse Krunal Pandya's name to pop up. It was very much expected that the elder of the two Pandya brothers will fetch a good amount as he checks all three boxes - batting, bowling and fielding.

MI had to spend INR 8.8 crores on him and he is repaying their faith with his performances. Krunal has been Rohit Sharma's go to bowler this season, as he has not only picked up 6 wickets but also kept things tight for the batters with his economical bowling, which is highlighted by his economy rate of just over 7 runs per over.

#1 KL Rahul (Kings XI Punjab)

Chris Gayle and KL Rahul's duo is one of the most dangerous opening partnerships of IPL Xl

Two Indians batters bagged a INR 11 crores contract this year, one being Sunrisers Hyderabad's Manish Pandey and the other being Kings XI Punjab's KL Rahul. While Manish has struggled, Rahul has left Royal Challengers Bangalore management scratching their heads in fury for not retaining him. Right from the very first game against Delhi Daredevils, Rahul set his tone.

His express train started with 16-ball 51 against DD and there was no stopping the demolition. He has amassed 213 runs in this year's IPL at an average of over 40. His strike rate of over 180 is the best he has had in his IPL career so far. Alongside Chris Gayle, KL Rahul is forming the core of Punjab's batting line-up and is one of the main reasons behind their lethal performance.