IPL 2017: 10 highest paid players

#4 Shikhar Dhawan – 12.5 crore

Shikhar Dhawan will look to regain his form this season

Shikhar Dhawan’s powerful batting makes him a perfect fit for the Twenty20 format. The southpaw played for the Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2008 and was their third-highest run-getter with 340 runs in 14 matches at an average of 37.77.

For two seasons, he turned out for the Mumbai Indians before moving to the Deccan Chargers. He had a great 2012 season, tallying 569 runs from 15 matches. He did not enjoy a very great IPL last year when his side won the trophy, but will be looking to make a mark this year.

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#3 MS Dhoni – 12.5 crore

Dhoni has been replaced by Steve Smith as RPSG skipper

Dhoni, who was believed to be the most expensive player in the IPL, no longer remains the crown jewel of the league. One of the most experienced T20 players, Dhoni was the first pick for the Rising Pune Supergiant in the IPL 2016 auctions.

A batting powerhouse, Dhoni can destroy different bowling attacks on his own. The calm and composed wicket-keeper batsman does not only impress with his batting, but also with his captaincy skills which added much value to the Chennai Super Kings and won them the IPL title in 2010 and 2011.

Dhoni was removed as the skipper of the RPSG earlier this year, the reasons for which are not yet known and Steve Smith was named as his replacement.