IPL 2018 Auction: 5 Indian batsmen who might fetch big bucks

The excitement about the auction is increasing with each passing day. In the build up to the mega auction, we will look at some of the key areas which teams might focus on.

Today we will look at one of the most crucial departments in T20 cricket, batting. Batsmen can single handedly win games for their sides and can create a massive impact on a team's fortunes in the tournament.

Even though a franchise has the option of fielding four overseas players in the playing eleven, it's very important for them to have a strong Indian contingent in the squad. Today we will look at five Indian batsmen who can attract attention of every franchise in the auction.

5. Yuvraj Singh

Even though Yuvraj has been out of reckoning for the national side, he has that burning desire to make a comeback.

He has been working hard on his fitness and has batted steadily for his state side Punjab in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy. Apart from this, he is a massive crowd puller and the team owners might want to use his stardom to build strong fan support.

4. Ajinkya Rahane

Rahane's patchy form has continued in international cricket and he has been struggling to keep his place in the playing XI, but he has been extremely consistent in the IPL for whichever team he has played.

Every team wants a reliable opening batsman who can provide steady starts and Rahane is perfect for this role.

3. Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan hasn't been able to live up to the expectations of the teams he played for. But he has the ability to turn the match upside down with his explosive batting at the top of the order.

Owing to this, Dhawan will be one of the most sought after batsmen in the auction.

2. KL Rahul

Rahul was fantastic for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2016. Since then he has been a regular feature in the Indian T20 team and has impressed everyone with his fearless approach at the top of the order.

While RCB will be eager to retain him using the RTM card, other teams will have some intense bargaining to do to get him on board.

1. Manish Pandey

People might be surprised to see Pandey's name ahead of international stalwarts like Yuvraj and Dhawan, but currently, he is a hot property in T20 cricket.

He has been highly effective playing for KKR, making his way to the national side based on his strong performances in the IPL. Intense bargaining is on the cards for the Karnataka batsman at the auction.