IPL XI cheaper than Ben Stokes

Manoj Tiwary (Rising Pune Supergiants - INR 50 lakh)

If there is one area where Pune struggled last year was in the middle-order where their Indian batsmen didn't quite do the job that was expected of them. The signing of Manoj Tiwary, who led East Zone to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was a step in ensuring that doesn't happen again.

He might be 31, but there can be little doubting his qualities as a T20 batsman. With over 2,500 runs in the format at an average of over 30, he has been consistent throughout his career and will provide Pune with stability in the middle-order which they didn't enjoy last year.

His experience of captaining his Ranji side will add to the number of brains Steve Smith can pick from should the need ever arise, along with the likes of MS Dhoni and Faf du Plessis, who he is likely to share the middle-order with.