Nathan Coulter-Nile – 3.5 Crores:
Andre Russell’s ban ahead of the season was a shocker for the Kolkata Knight Riders. They had the most balanced core and would perhaps plan a chilled day out at the auction had the West Indian being available. But circumstances became such that they were left to find a suitable replacement – a fast bowling all-rounder – to fill Russell’s place. Gambhir and Co did a great job and by snapping Chris Woakes for a sum of 4.2 crores. Woakes, with his combination of wicket taking bowling and hard hitting skills, fitted in the bill perfectly. They later got West Indies promising 23-year-old Rovman Powell as a second option. This was a smart buy at 30 Lakhs. However, it seemed bit unnecessary when the KKR outfit began aggressively going after Nathan Coulter-Nile and eventually signed him for 3.5 Crores. While he is player of good quality but it was quite visible that the buy was certainly overrated.