IPL 2018: 5 best performing million-dollar buys

#4 Dinesh Karthik - Rs. 7.4 Crore

Dinesh Karthik is leading KKR from the front (Source: BCCI)

Dinesh Karthik has impressed one and all in his maiden IPL captaincy stint. He has also been performing consistently with the bat and behind the wickets. Karthik has taken up the role of the finisher well for his team and has remained not out on five occasions, thereby providing some stability at the end of the innings.

Even though he scored only one half-century this season, he managed to make 412 runs for his side with an average which is in excess of 50. Karthik has even upped his strike rate his season to 152.02, which is much higher than his overall IPL strike rate of 128.68.

His best innings came in a crucial match against Kings XI Punjab. KKR came into the match after a 102-run drubbing at the hands of Mumbai Indians and were desperately in need of a win to stay alive in the tournament. With a 22-ball half-century, the captain led his side to a mammoth 245 and helped his side win by 31 runs.

Kolkata Knight Riders will need him to fire in their final league stage match against Sunrisers Hyderabad if they want to ensure a spot in the playoffs. A lot will depend on Karthik in the next match and the Kolkata fans will hope that their captain will continue the good work in the crucial encounter.

Innings: 13, Runs: 412, Average: 51.50, Strike rate: 152.02