IPL Auction 2018: 5 international players who could start a bidding war

Ben Stokes

Could Stokes be the most expensive player for the second year in a row?

Plenty of eyebrows were raised when Rising Pune Supergiant went all out and secured Ben Stokes' signature for 14.5 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player in the history of the IPL. While few doubted his talent, many wondered if Pune should have spent so much on one player.

However, those doubts were quickly put aside as Stokes put in a stellar performance with both bat and ball, helping Pune reach the final of IPL 2017. A year later, although his playing time for England has been greatly reduced due to his involvement in a brawl outside a Bristol nightclub, he is still the one player that most teams will be looking to sign.

His ability to score heavily with the bat while also picking up crucial wickets with the ball and being exceptional in the field makes him an all-rounder every team would love to have. And it should come as no surprise if he finished as the most expensive player in the Auction for the second year in a row.