IPL 2018: 5 costliest players whose participation in the tournament remains unsure

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Sunil Narine has been KKR's best bowler

Every season of the Indian Premier League has witnessed injuries to some of its star players.

Last year, Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli missed out on a fraction of the tournament due to injury. Similarly, Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Andre Russell was out of the tournament as he was serving a ban. This year, as many as five star players are feared to miss the league due to injuries and a possible ban. Let’s take a look.

#5 Sunil Narine – Kolkata Knight Riders – INR 12.50 crore

The West Indian spinner was retained by the two-time champions ahead of the auctions. Sunil Narine was reported for suspect bowling action in the Pakistan Super League where he plays for the Lahore Qalandars. This has a possibility of jeopardising the star player’s participation in the IPL for KKR.

He was one of KKR’s star performers last season and also in 2012. The match officials’ from the PSL will send a report to Cricket West Indies regarding Narine’s action and he will then have to go through the process that is followed by his country’s board for suspect bowling action.

#4 Andre Russell – Kolkata Knight Riders – INR 8.50 crore

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Russell provides KKR with both runs and wickets

All-rounder Andre Russell, who was retained for INR 8.50 crore ahead of the auctions, was to make a comeback for the side after missing the last season due to a ban he was serving. However, his hamstring injury during the ongoing PSL has come as a huge blow to the franchise who have their biggest weapon in the West Indian.

Not only has he been ruled out from the rest of the PSL, he is also racing against time to regain fitness for the IPL. He is very crucial down the order, can chip in with some big shots and has won several matches for KKR.

#3 Jofra Archer – Rajasthan Royals – INR 7.2 crore

Archer put up terrific performances in the BBL 2017
Archer put up terrific performances in the BBL 2017

The Barbadian-born all-rounder Jofra Archer came into the limelight after his performances in the Big Bash League for Hobart Hurricanes this season, following which he was picked for a whopping INR 7.2 crore by Rajasthan Royals in the IPL auctions.

Archer, who was taking part in the PSL for the Quetta Gladiators, has been ruled out of the tournament due to a side strain. Rajasthan are fretting over his participation in the IPL, which remains unconfirmed as yet.

#2 Mitchell Johnson – Kolkata Knight Riders – INR 2 crore

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The speedster previously played for Kings XI Punjab

Paceman Mitchell Johnson was bought by KKR for INR 2 crore in the auctions and was being seen as a bright prospect for the team. However, last seen, Johnson added to KKR’s list of injured players after he sustained a serious injury to his head when working out in the gym.

He hit his head on the metal bar while doing chin-ups, which led to bleeding. The 36-year-old needed 16 stitches on his scalp after he was rushed to the hospital. With IPL less than three weeks away, Johnson may have to race against time to regain complete fitness for the tournament.

#1 Chris Lynn – Kolkata Knight Riders – INR 9.6 crore

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Lynn is one of the most powerful hitters of the ball

Swashbuckling batsman Chris Lynn suffered a shoulder injury in Australia's T20 tri-series final in New Zealand, but it has been confirmed that he will not require a surgery for the same.

However, his cent percent participation for KKR from the start of the tournament remains unsure. Lynn has been frequently hit by injuries and last year too was ruled out of the side after the initials few games due to an injury.

Lynn can destroy the opponent bowlers with his big-hitting and that makes him a star player in the shortest format.

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Edited by Tanya Rudra