5 cricketers whose Ranji performances could earn them IPL 2018 contracts

#2 Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal was the highest run-scorer in the 2017-18 Ranji season

Mayank Agarwal probably didn't need to perform well in the Ranji Trophy to earn a contract in the IPL auction, as he would most likely have been picked anyway. However, his performance in the Ranji Trophy could see him earn more money than he would have otherwise. He finished the tournament as its highest run-scorer, having racked up 1,160 runs. He scored an unbeaten triple-century against Maharashtra in November 2017.

Agarwal came to prominence in the previous decade when he finished the leading run-getter in the 2010 U-19 World Cup. In the shortest format of the game, Mayank made a mark in the local Karnataka Premier League in 2010, where he finished the Man of the Series. Mayank made his debut in the Indian Premier League for his home team, the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He has featured in every season since then, albeit for different franchises. He played for the Delhi Daredevils from 2014 to 2016 and for the Rising Pune Supergiant last season.

After a promising start to his IPL career, Agarwal slacked off in the last two editions. He played just three games in each of the 2016 and 2017 seasons, scoring a total of just 53 runs. However, his incredible showing with the bat in the Ranji Trophy is certainly not going to go unnoticed. He will be itching to carry his good form into the IPL as well. Given his IPL experience and incredible form, Agarwal is more or less certain to capture a healthy deal at the IPL 2018 auction.