IPL 2018: Rating the three Indians who cost over Rs. 10 crores

After seven weeks of enthralling action, the Indian Premier League finally ended with Chennai Super Kings emerging as champions for the third time. On the back of a match-winning knock played by Shane Watson, Chennai Super Kings thrashed the table toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad for the fourth time in the season.

IPL, which is known for nurturing young talents is also known for making the lucky one's rich overnight. IPL auctions are getting more and more unpredictable over the years. While those who are expected to go for a huge sum of money are bought cheaper, others who are expected to be bought cheap go for millions.

With an increase in the purse of the franchises, this year's auction was the first of its kind where three Indian players were signed for over Rs. 10 crore.

Here's a look at how they have fared in the season:

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#3 Jaydev Unadkat

Jaydev Unadkat was the costliest Indian bought in the auction this year. Rajasthan Royals shelled out Rs. 11.5 crore to secure the services of the Saurashtra bowler. On the back of an impressive IPL season in 2017, Unadkat's name brought a war to the table in the auction.

In the 2017 season, playing for Rising Pune Supergiants, he took 24 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 7.02. He finished 2nd on the list of highest wicket-takers and was soon inducted in the Indian T20I squad.

In the 2018 season, he looked ordinary throughout the season. He managed to take just 11 wickets in 15 matches and leaked runs at an economy of 9.65. Rajasthan Royals could not drop him from the playing XI as they didn't have a suitable replacement for him.

Being the most expensive player on the team, there were higher expectations from him instead, he turned out to be a liability. Rajasthan Royals will in all probability release the bowler ahead of the auction next year.

Rating: 3/10

#2 Manish Pandey

Manish Pandey who used to be a regular in the Kolkata Knight Riders team over the years was released by the franchise ahead of the auction. Put into the auction, Pandey became a hot purchase in the auction this year.

The Karnataka batsman was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for a whopping Rs. 11 crore. Although he had an impressive season in 2017 his previous franchise didn't show any interest in him in the auction.

At a price of Rs. 11 crore, Sunrisers Hyderabad may have expected Pandey to be his usual self and be a match winner for the team. Pandey fared poorly in the season and failed to live up to the expectations of the team and the fans.

Overall in the season, Pandey managed to score just 284 runs in 15 matches at an average of 25.81 and a strike rate of 115.44. It was surprising to see his name in the Indian T20I squad for the tour of England. It will be interesting to see whether he finds form in the foreign land.

Rating: 4/10

#1 KL Rahul

KL Rahul, the Karnataka batsman is one of the most talented wicketkeeper-batsman in the country. On the back of impressive performances in T20 internationals, Rahul grabbed eyeballs of the IPL team owners who were left engaged in a bidding war in the auction this year.

Rahul was bought by Kings XI Punjab for a whopping Rs. 11 crore. In the season, he opened the batting for his team and provided headstarts in most of the matches. He was one of the most consistent batsmen in the tournament and proved his worth.

Overall in the season, he scored 659 runs in 14 matches at an average of 54.91 and a strike rate of 158.41. He ended up third on the list of highest runs scorers, but unfortunately, his team could not qualify for the playoffs.

He was named in all the squads for the tour of England. After enjoying a huge success in the IPL, he must be looking forward to cementing his place in the Indian team.

Rating: 9/10