Strongest Starting XI of all teams after IPL Auction

Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders have been one of the strongest and most consistent units in the Vivo IPL, having a cadre of T20 specialists. The side picked up a lot of young talent in the auction, with Carlos Brathwaite being their highest buy for Rs. 5 crore.

Let's have a look at their best initial combination:

KKR Strongest Starting XI- Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Shubhman Gill, Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), Andre Russell, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Lockie Ferguson

KKR already had most of their areas covered before the auction, and were only devoid of fast bowlers, after releasing Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc from the squad. Led by Dinesh Karthik, who has been extremely inspirational for the side, the two-time champions would fancy opening with big hitters Narine and Lynn, followed by an all-Indian middle order.

The finishing role would be addressed by the skipper himself, who has done a really good job in this capacity for India in the recent past; along with the audacious Andre Russell. The spin trio of Kuldeep, Narine and Chawla shall be expected to live up to the promise of the last season, especially on the home ground. Young Indian sensation Kamlesh Nagarkoti would be able to have a go in this edition, having missed on the previous occasion due to injury. It would be interesting to see him bowl with another fiery pacer, Lockie Ferguson from New Zealand.

The two-time champions could well be in the pursuit of a third title, with a strong squad on the table.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

RCB continued their tradition of picking up some of the best in the business as they went in for the much fancied Shimron Hetymer for Rs 4.2 crore. The Virat Kohli led side also surprised one and all by picking up young guns Shivam Dubey and Himmat Singh, with the former being the side's highest purchase for a hefty Rs. 5 crore.

The side has a battery of all-rounders with the likes of Marcus Stoinis (traded), Moeen Ali, Colin de Grandhome, Nathan Coulter Nile, Pawan Negi, and Washington Sundar. Hence, it would be a challenging task for the management to chalk out their best combination on the given day.

Let's have a look at what can be their most optimum combination:

RCB Strongest Starting XI - Parthiv Patel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers, Himmat Singh, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dubey, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee

RCB can fancy opening with wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel and Shimron Hetmyer, with the latter possessing the ability to bat away the opposition upfront if he gets going on the batsman-friendly Chinnaswamy wicket. The team has the best No.3 and No.4 batsmen in the form of Indian captain Virat Kohli and Mr.360 AB de Villiers. Himmat Singh, a promising young talent can follow the two giants, with all-rounders Ali and Dubey capable of giving the ball a good whack towards the end.

Sundar also possesses the ability to bat, which makes the batting unit look even better. Furthermore, the teenager's combination with leggie Yuzvendra Chahal and the accurate Moeen can give proof to be a hard nut to crack. Speedsters Umesh and Southee would spearhead the pace attack, with Dubey capable of chipping in some overs with his medium pace.

Virat Kohli would hope to end the title drought this season, having most of the areas covered in the auction.