IPL 2018: 5 Karnataka cricketers who could make it big this season

#1 Lokesh Rahul

KL Rahul has a very high price tag to justify

KL Rahul is undoubtedly one of the most talented batsmen of the modern era. Perceived to suit only the longest version of the sport initially, Rahul has shown tremendous adaptability to be recognized as a vital cog in the T20 setup of the national squad as well.

The right-hander has been a regular feature in India’s T20 team, even though he has been in and out of the ODI team. The Mangalore-born batsman boasts of a T20I strike rate in excess of 147 and is only of three Indians to have scored a century in all three cricket formats.

Having played for SRH and RCB previously, Rahul makes his way northwards to his new recruiters Kings XI Punjab this time around. They spent a mind-boggling sum of Rs 11 crores to attain his services. Rahul, who may double up as a wicketkeeper for the side, had a successful IPL 2016 but had to miss out on the 2017 edition due to injury.

Punjab will heavily rely on him to give them a solid start at the top of the order and lay a strong foundation with the bat to accelerate their hunt for a maiden IPL title.