Akshdeep Nath

In domestic cricket he has performed reasonably well across the different formats, and observers have praised both his technique and his temperament at the crease. His value goes beyond batting. He is able to bowl medium pace to useful effect and can keep wicket when the side needs it, a mix of skills that makes him a handy all-round option for any team.

His IPL journey has taken him through several franchises. He spent the 2016 and 2017 seasons with the Gujarat Lions and then moved to Kings XI Punjab for 2018. Later, after franchises had passed over him in the opening round of an auction, the Royal Challengers bought him for 3.6 crore rupees, a move driven by his excellent domestic campaign and a late push to add capable Indian batters.

That price reflected a highly productive season with Uttar Pradesh. He ended it as the third-highest run-scorer with 727 runs, while also offering part-time bowling. In 50-over cricket he added 258 runs at an average of 51.6. Although auctions always carry an element of chance, figures like these explained why he became one of the more keenly pursued players.