IPL 2018: Retained players XI

Out of the possible 24 players who could have been retained, only 18 were retained by the eight IPL franchises ahead of the IPL Auction 2018. Several big names like Chris Gayle, Gautam Gambhir and Dwayne Bravo weren't among the players who were retained.

Surprisingly, the likes of Axar Patel, Shreyas Iyer and Sarfaraz Khan were retained. So, how strong would a team comprising just the players who were retained be? Here is how that team might look like based on the rule of only four foreigners and seven Indian players.

Here is the IPL 2018 retained players XI:

Openers

David Warner

The owner of the Orange Cap for the last two seasons, David Warner has been in sensational form in the IPL since moving to Sunrisers Hyderabad. He is the leading run-getter among overseas players in the history of the IPL and occupies the fifth spot on the list of most IPL runs. His ability to give his side an explosive start makes him an invaluable asset to any T20 side. So it wasn't a surprise to see him retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Virat Kohli

Opening the batting along with him is Indian captain Virat Kohli. Only one player (Suresh Raina) has scored more runs than Kohli, who has been sensational over the last few years and only Chris Gayle (5) has scored more centuries. Ahead of IPL Auction 2018, RCB have also made Kohli the highest paid player in the history of the IPL, retaining him for INR 17 crore. He will want to show that he is worth every penny and lead his side to their maiden IPL title.

Middle-order

Raina is the leading run-getter in the history of the IPL

Suresh Raina

While there have been plenty of players who have set the stage on fire in the IPL, there have been few who have been as consistent as Suresh Raina. The leading run-getter in the tournament's history will return to Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2018 and will look to recapture his form and force his way back into the Indian limited-overs side.

Rohit Sharma

The four-time IPL winner Rohit Sharma is another consistent performer who has been simply sensational throughout the course of the IPL. Aside from his incredible skills as a batsman, which he has demonstrated for India as well, his captaincy has helped Mumbai Indians claim three IPL titles, the most of any franchise. Unsurprisingly, he has been retained along with two young Indian stars as they hope to build a dynasty.

AB de Villiers

One of only seven players to have hit over 150 sixes in the IPL, AB de Villiers has made batting look incredibly easy at times. An average of almost 40 and a strike rate of nearly 150 show just how incredibly consistent he has been in the tournament. Among overseas players, only David Warner and Chris Gayle have scored more runs than AB, who also features in the top ten list of the highest run-scorers in the IPL.

MS Dhoni

After a two-year long wait, MS Dhoni will return to Chennai Super Kings. After leading the team to two IPL titles and two Champions League T20 wins, Dhoni will be looking to continue his impressive track record as captain when he returns to the franchise where he made his name.

All-rounders

Russell is one of the most devastating all-rounders in the game

Andre Russell

The West Indian all-rounder is just returning from his ban but there can be little doubt about his credentials as one of the most destructive all-rounders in T20Is. Capable of opening the bowling and delivering his variations at the death, he has proven himself to be a very good option with the ball. With the bat, he can hit the ball a long way and his career T20 strike rate of almost 165 is a testament to just that.

Axar Patel

Amidst the plethora of stars that Kings XI Punjab had, they opted to retain Axar Patel. While his all-round option certainly made him an obvious choice, KXIP's decision to retain just him was a curious one. While he doesn't have an IPL fifty to his name, his highest score came with KXIP and an average of over 20 and strike rate of over 130 coupled with his miserly bowling that sees him concede just 7 rpo in his T20 career make him an excellent choice. That he is still only 23 and is an Indian all-rounder only enhances his potential value.

Spinner

Narine has transformed himself into an all-rounder

Sunil Narine

While there might have been a few raised eyebrows at KKR's decision to retain Sunil Narine who may not be the bowler that he once was, his recent exploits with the bat make that a brilliant call. Still economical, even if he isn't among the wickets as frequently as he used to be, the West Indian continues to be a threat.

Melbourne Renegades converted him into an opener in last year's BBL and since then he has flourished in that role. His CPL and IPL sides have employed him in that role and he has provided fast starts even if he hasn't always been consistent.

Pacers

Bhuvi has won the Purple Cap in the last two seasons

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

The top five wicket-takers in the history of the IPL weren't retained by their respective IPL sides, but Bhuvneshwar Kumar's incredible form over the last few years ensured that SRH retained him along with David Warner. With 111 wickets in 90 matches, he has the most wickets by an Indian fast bowler in IPL history and he will be looking to extend that record in IPL 2018.

Jasprit Bumrah

Ever since he broke through into the MI ranks, Bumrah has been a revelation. He just made his Test debut against South Africa but he has been incredible in limited-overs cricket for India. In the IPL, his ability to nail the yorkers at the death, makes him almost unplayable at times. Still young, MI made the easy call of retaining him ahead of IPL 2018.