IPL 2018 Retentions: Hits and Misses

Hit - Sarfaraz Khan (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Sarfaraz Khan was a surprise retention by RCB. Credits: IANS

The 20-year-old Sarfaraz Khan hit the headlines on Thursday after the Royal Challengers Bangalore decided to retain the once 'unfit', cheeky, middle-order batsman. The youngster earned plaudits in the 2016 season for his 360° batting, reminiscent of AB de Villiers, and effortless shot making.

However, having played zero games in 2017, RCB weren't expected to retain the youngster ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal or Lokesh Rahul. Being an uncapped player, RCB needed just three crores to retain Sarfaraz. At first glance, it might seem absurd that he would have gone for more than 3 crores but the youngster has a stupendous T20 record and RCB were actually at fault for deeming him 'unfit' and keeping him out of the XI last season.

His 29 T20s has fetched him 332 runs at a stunning strike rate of 153.70. RCB now have 49 crores to use at the auction and two RTMs to get back Chahal and Rahul. Not so bad, huh?