IPL 2018: IPL XI cheaper than Ben Stokes

Middle-order

Billings can keep, play anywhere in the batting order and is an exceptional fielder

Sam Billings - 1 crore

While many England players like Alex Hales, ODI captain Eoin Morgan and Test captain Joe Root went unsold, Sam Billings was snapped up by CSK for his base price of 1 crore. His innovative stroke play coupled with his versatility makes him an invaluable asset for any side. Although CSK have MS Dhoni, who will keep, having someone like Billings means that they possess a batsman who can score quickly, open the innings, play in the middle-order and also operate as the finisher.

JP Duminy - 1 crore

Consistency has been JP Duminy's raison d'être. Whether it is in the IPL or for South Africa in coloured clothing, Duminy has been amongst the runs on a consistent basis, which is what made his move to Mumbai Indians for just his base price of 1 crore all the more surprising. Although the 33-year-old doesn't have a T20 century to his name, he averages over 37 and has a strike rate of almost 125 in T20s. In the IPL, he has fared even better, averaging almost 40 with nearly 2000 runs to his name. He will be a great addition to an already strong MI batting line-up.

Manoj Tiwary - 1 crore

Anyone who saw the IPL Auction will tell you just how eager Kings XI Punjab were to make their mark. While they signed foreign stars, T20 veterans and international superstars, perhaps one of their smartest decisions was buying Manoj Tiwary for 1 crore. The experienced Indian international has been a revelation in the middle-order and can provide the final flourish that Kings XI have at times lacked.