IPL 2018 Auction: 5 players Kolkata Knight Riders should target

Arguably one of the most popular franchises in the tournament's existence, the consistent Kolkata Knight Riders have always been a delight to watch. From being heavily reliant on spin due to a slow turning Eden Gardens track, their philosophy has since changed post the relaid Eden surface. Last season saw KKR consistently play with three world-class seamers in their eleven, with then-captain Gautam Gambhir often spoilt for choice.

Their aggression was also portrayed with the bat, as they often looked to open with a pinch hitter, while Gambhir's focus was on anchoring the innings. This often led to an imbalance in their batting lineup. Thus, this season, they are likely to try and create the perfect balance, in the hope of winning their third title in this coveted competition.

Faf du Plessis: South Africa (C)

An ideal leader to take Kolkata further

Not retaining Gautam Gambhir was a massive call by the KKR management. Since taking over as captain, Gambhir has led them to two titles and has often finished in the top half of the table. However, his absence may well have been justifiable. At the age of 36, Gambhir has had a diminished impact on the franchise. He looks well beyond his capacity to play an aggressive innings, even when direly needed.

On the other hand, Faf is a far more pro active player and captain. With the ability of keeping things tight or going after the opposition, the South African is the perfect team player. Having represented South Africa, the seaming track at the Eden is likely to play to his strengths, making him a force to be reckoned with.

Having been sidelined past few seasons at Pune, he will be looking to revert to his CSK playing days, when he took the tournament by storm.

Evin Lewis: West Indies

The Caribbean sensation

A typical West Indian batsman with all the shots in the book, Lewis has only one form of play - attack. His massive presence at the top of the order has often reaped rewards for the West Indies. With an astonishing strike rate of nearly 155 in T20 internationals, Lewis, on his day, possesses the ability to whack the ball out of the stadium from the very first ball and has the knack of accumulating big runs very quickly.

The Eden pitch is likely to ensure the ball comes on to the bat nicely, and Lewis is equally destructive against both spin and pace. With him up top, KKR could end up ridiculing huge totals or on the flip side, set them.

With two T20 hundreds to his name against the Men in Blue, his talent is already well documented among Indians. His consistent performances for the West Indies and in the CPL make him a prime candidate to be one of the most sought-after openers in the auction.

K. L. Rahul: India

The most improved player in the Indian camp

Easily the most improved player in the Indian camp, Rahul would be the perfect foil to Lewis at the top of the order. An elegant right - hand batsman who can keep wickets in crisis, Rahul has gone on to become one of India's most highly rated opening batsmen. He enjoys playing his shots, his aggressive nature, and this combined with his orthodox style of play almost offers the team a sense of reassurance at the top of the order.

Having kept wickets for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rahul's all round traits make him a real asset for any team interested. On song, he has the ability to take the game away from the opposition quick and is equally effective down the order - a valuable asset in such tournaments.

Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer: The next big Sensation

The 22 - year old Bajan quick is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting all-rounders in the world. With ambitions to play for England one day, Archer has been taking all the right steps in order to achieve his dreams.

Representing the Hobart Hurricanes, Archer has taken Australia by storm. With the ability to consistently clock 140+kmph, he has been terrorising the BBL, something the IPL franchises would have noticed.

Moreover, in addition to his remarkable bowling figures, his fielding ability is second to none. Like most Caribbean athletes, Jofra is blessed with immense athleticism as witnessed by his spectacular catches and run outs. His ability to win games with his fielding itself is likely to attract numerous buyers.

Krunal Pandya: India

Easily the most popular uncapped Indian player

Easily the most popular uncapped Indian player, Krunal has been a big part of the Mumbai Indians' recent successes over the years. Having retained three Indian players, they aren't going to be able to use their RTM cards on him. His slow orthodox left arm spin has been astonishing over the past few years as not only has he been able to keep things tight, he's also picked up crucial wickets.

What makes him a brilliant T20 player is his batting ability. No slob with the bat, Krunal is second to none when it comes to batting down the order. He stands up when his team needs him the most, and has the ability to come up the order and take the attack to the opposition.