Who are the biggest buys at the 2018 IPL auctions?
What's the story
The world's biggest cricket carnival, the Indian Premier League 2018 auction started today with several big names from the sport going under the hammer.
All-rounder Ben Stokes, Australian trio of Chris Lynn, Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell all fetched massive bids.
Here is the list of the top buys at the first day of the IPL auction.
Rs. 12.5 crore
Ben Stokes is yet again the costliest buy so far
England's premier all-rounder, Ben Stokes was the biggest buy at this year's IPL auction so far.
The 26-year-old was snapped up by the returning Rajasthan Royals which forked out a massive Rs. 12.5 cr for his services.
Stokes, who was sold for Rs 14.5 cr in IPL 10, has played 12 matches so far scoring 316 runs and claiming 12 wickets.
Rs. 11 crore
Karnataka duo KL Rahul & Manish Pandey
Indian opener, KL Rahul was the first Indian cricketer to reach double figures at the auction, when Kings XI Punjab offered to pay Rs. 11 cr for his services.
Rahul's Karnataka team-mate, Manish Pandey was sold for the same amount Rs. 11 cr to Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders opted against using a 'Right to Match' card for Pandey.
Rs. 9.6 crore
Lynn-sane money for high flying Chris Lynn
Chris Lynn might have been capped just 6 times by Australia, but the big-hitting right-handed batsman sparked a bidding war, with Kolkata Knight Riders winning the battle at the end.
KKR forked out Rs 9.6 cr for his services in IPL11. The Queensland slugger is the Big Bash League's all-time highest six hitter, however, he is injury prone.
Rs. 9.4 crore
Kolkata opt for the raw pace of Mitchell Starc
Australian pace spearhead, Mitchell Starc, as expected, was one of the hottest picks at the auctions.
The speedster, who missed out on last year's edition due to injury, is definitely all smiles after Kolkata Knight Riders opted to bid Rs. 9.4 cr for the pacer.
If fit, Starc can generate a lot of pace, sometimes even clocking upto 160 kph.
Rs. 9 crore
Glenn Maxwell a 'Big Show' at the auctions
Maxwell is another Australian who will be taking a big pay cheque home. Delhi Daredevils snapped up the slugger for Rs. 9 cr.
Maxwell sparked a bidding war with 4 franchises interested in him, however, Kings XI opted against using the 'Right to Match' card for him.
The big-hitting Australia boasts a strike rate of 164.39 in the IPL.
Rs. 9 crore
Rashid Khan returns to Sunrisers Hyderabad
Afghan teen sensation, Rashid Khan is going to be one of the highest paid players in the IPL after a bidding war took place for his services.
Kings XI Punjab won the final bid at Rs. 9 cr but Sunrisers Hyderabad snatched the player right under their noses with the 'Right to Match' card.
The 19-year-old is one of T20 cricket's best bowlers.
Rs. 8.8 crore
Pandya brothers reunited at Mumbai Indians
The older of the Pandya brothers, Krunal sparked a lively action, which took his fee to Rs. 8.8 cr.
Despite RCB winning the bid, as expected, the Mumbai Indians used their 'Right to Match' card to keep both the Pandya bothers united.
Krunal is the highest paid uncapped player in the IPL.
Rs. 8 crore
Rajasthan Royals get Sanju Samson
Wicket-keeper batsman, Sanju Samson will take home Rs. 8 cr after Rajasthan Royals went all-out to get their man.
Samson, who rose to prominence during his time at the Rajasthan Royals, had a fantastic Ranji Trophy season, where he has scored back to back hundreds.
In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he has scored 65 & 71 in his last 2 games.