4: KL Rahul- (Kings XI Punjab-11 Crore)
Earlier known as a test specialist opener, Rahul had taken long strides in his career to prove his mettle in limited overs format. He will make a return to IPL 2018 after suffering from an injury in the last season. The opening batsman from Karnataka has been a great talent but has failed to cement his place in the Indian team, following his lapse shot selection at times that barricade any chances to score big hundreds for the team.
Rahul was a part of the IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore as a wicket-keeper batsman in 2013. In 2014, he was bought by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs. 1 crore at the auction. In the 2016 season, he returned to the Royal Challengers Bangalore. In 2018 he was bought for Rs 11 crore by Kings XI Punjab, making him the joint 2nd highest paid Indian in IPL auction 2018 alongside his statesman Manish Pandey.
The huge price tag may be at the back of his mind that may put him under severe pressure to perform for the Preity Zinta co-owned franchise. However, if he manages to score big in the season, it might make way for him to play for India and cement his place as an opener or a middle order batsman.
Rahul has played 39 IPL matches scoring 725 runs at a strike rate of 125.64.
(Click on 3rd page from below to see other 3 batsman)
