IPL 2018: Retained players XI

All-rounders

Russell is one of the most devastating all-rounders in the game

Andre Russell

The West Indian all-rounder is just returning from his ban but there can be little doubt about his credentials as one of the most destructive all-rounders in T20Is. Capable of opening the bowling and delivering his variations at the death, he has proven himself to be a very good option with the ball. With the bat, he can hit the ball a long way and his career T20 strike rate of almost 165 is a testament to just that.

Axar Patel

Amidst the plethora of stars that Kings XI Punjab had, they opted to retain Axar Patel. While his all-round option certainly made him an obvious choice, KXIP's decision to retain just him was a curious one. While he doesn't have an IPL fifty to his name, his highest score came with KXIP and an average of over 20 and strike rate of over 130 coupled with his miserly bowling that sees him concede just 7 rpo in his T20 career make him an excellent choice. That he is still only 23 and is an Indian all-rounder only enhances his potential value.