IPL 2018: 5 categories of players that can rule the auction 

#2 All-rounders

The highest paid player in IPL 2017, Stokes performed exceedingly well for the RPS

Having an all-rounder in the team, especially in T20 format. is of prime importance. It gives the captain more options to work with and helps to improve the balance of the side. The history of IPL indicates that all-rounders have been the game changers. Thus the franchisees are ready to shell out a huge amount in order to acquire the best all-rounders.

Let us have a look at the few that the franchises would be looking for (if they are not retained beforehand) -

Ben Stokes (Rising Pune Supergiants) - The highest paid player in IPL 2017, Stokes performed exceedingly well for the RPS. A powerful bloke, Stokes can clear the boundary at will. With the ball, he is quick, has a great bouncer and a perfect yorker.

Ben Stokes IPL stats

Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians) - The flamboyant MI all-rounder, Pandya wrecks the opposition bowling with his power hitting. As a bowler, he hits the deck hard and bowls a good short ball. Pandya also bowls a very well-disguised slower bouncer.

Hardik Pandya's IPL stats

Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders - 2016) - The exuberant KKR all-rounder is a hard-hitting batsman, excellent death overs bowler, and an outstanding fielder.

Andre Russell's IPL stats

Shakib Al Hasan (Kolkata Knight Riders) - An adept batsman and astute bowler, Shakib has bailed out KKR many times with either bat or bowl. With the bat, he is strong against the spinners and with the ball, accuracy is his strength.

Shakib Al Hasan's IPL stats

Dwayne Bravo (Gujarat Lions) - The West Indian all-rounder with over 100 matches in IPL, Bravo played a pivotal role in the success of his former team - Chennai Super Kings. The wristy batsman plays spin very well. As a bowler, he can bamboozle the best of the batsmen with his slower yorkers.

Dwayne Bravo's IPL stats

Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians) - Pollard has been one of the finest all-rounders in IPL. A destructive batsman, handy bowler and an excellent fielder, he has won many games for MI.

Kieron Pollard's IPL stats