5 most expensive buys for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL auctions

#2 Yusuf Pathan – 9.7 Crores

Uncanny, aggressive and tenacious sums up Yusuf Pathan well

Yusuf Pathan was vital in Rajasthan Royals’ triumph in the first season of IPL and scored 435 runs at a staggering strike rate of 179.01. In 2010, he scored the fastest century in IPL history brutally smashing the Mumbai Indians bowlers only to fall 6 runs short of victory. Surprisingly, he wasn't retained by the Royals and hence the Kolkata-based franchise bought him for a whopping 9.7 crores after tough competition from other franchises.

Since then, Pathan has been a regular for the KKR side. He has relished the role of a finisher and his ability to spike the scoring rate has been of great benefit to the Kolkata-based side, along with his handy off-spinners when he opens the bowling.

Last season he churned out runs to hand important points to his team. The aggressive and fearless batsman has scored over 330 runs in almost every season. Pathan has an IPL career average of 30.67 at a strike rate of 146.78, and is also the fourth-highest scorer of sixes in the history of IPL.