The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/category/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Premier League (IPL)</strong></a> 2018 action for the upcoming season is already underway as the mega players&#8217; auction for the same culminated earlier this weekend. It was an action-filled two days as we witnessed some intense bidding wars between franchises as they attempted to bolster their respective squads. With the salary cap increased for the auction process, the teams spent big as players from India and overseas went under the hammer.

While the list boasted of some IPL heavyweights, it also included a lot of newbies who attracted the franchisees in the auction. The T20 league has been an iconic tournament in the country, unearthing numerous talents which in turn has improved <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-teams/india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India</strong></a>’s cricketing landscape.

The <strong>Rajasthan Royals</strong> franchise will embark on a fresh new journey as they gear themselves up for the upcoming season. The inaugural champions who are making a return to the fray after serving a two-year ban will wish to forget their past horrors and start afresh. Among all the franchises, the ones that arguably made the most surprising moves is the Royals.

While the franchise has acquired certain big-shots in the likes of Ben Stokes, Jaydev Unadkat and Ajinkya Rahane amongst others, they have also continued to give the young colts a chance by purchasing them at the auctions. Royals had previously been clinical in unearthing and developing numerous talents. Given below are the unknown stars who can shine for RR in the upcoming season.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/01/Zahir-Khan-Pakteen.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-214771" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Zahir-Khan-Pakteen.jpg" alt="Zahir Khan Pakteen" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-214771" class="wp-caption-text">Zahir Khan Pakteen. (Photo Source: Facebook)</figcaption>

A revelation of the ongoing edition of the U19 World Cup, <strong>Afghanistan</strong> chinaman Zahir Khan is amongst the most promising prospects in the RR squad. Khan was a part of the junior Afghanistan squad which made to the semis of the World Cup.

He had already made news when he ended as leading wicket-taker in Afghanistan’s Shpageeza Cricket League T20 with 15 wickets by pushing Rashid Khan (14) behind. He has taken a staggering 31 wickets in only 6 first-class games that he has played so far having represented the team in the Intercontinental Cup.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/11/Aryaman-Vikram-Birla.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-190981" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Aryaman-Vikram-Birla.jpeg" alt="Aryaman Vikram Birla" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-190981" class="wp-caption-text">Aryaman Vikram Birla. (Photo Source: Deccan Chronicle)</figcaption>

He is the son of Kumar Mangalam Birla, the chairman of Aditya Birla Group. Aryaman moved out of Mumbai to pursue cricket at a higher level. The opening batsman is currently a part of Madhya Pradesh Under-23 side. He is now a part of the RR setup that is known for identifying and polishing young talents.

Even though Aryaman is the son of one of the biggest industrialists, instead of driving fancy cars, he chose to sweat it out in the cricketing field. Although without much experience, the opportunity will provide the youngster with a great learning curve as he will get to learn from the best in the business.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/01/Sudhesan-Midhun.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-216942" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sudhesan-Midhun.jpg" alt="Sudhesan Midhun" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-216942" class="wp-caption-text">Sudhesan Midhun. (Photo Source: The Hindu)</figcaption>

The leg-spinner from Kerala made his debut for state team in the 2018 Mushtaq Ali Trophy. With his prime weapon being the googly, Midhun conceded 66 runs in 11 overs he bowled in three games with just one wicket to his name. The runs wouldn&#8217;t concern him since teams are usually aware of the costs incurred by the leggies as the risk and reward are pretty much in direct proportion.

Coming on the back of some incredible performances, Midhun will try to consolidate his place in the squad. He will be joining fellow Keralite <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sanju-samson-delighted-to-be-back-with-the-royals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sanju Samson</strong></a> in the Rajasthan ranks.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/01/Jatin-Saxena.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-216943" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Jatin-Saxena.jpg" alt="Jatin Saxena" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-216943" class="wp-caption-text">Jatin Saxena. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The leg-spin bowling all-rounder Jatin has an experience of ten years in Indian domestic circuit under his belt. He is the older brother of another spin all-rounder Jajal Saxena who bowls off-spin. While Jatin represents Kerala in the Indian domestic cricket, Jajal plays for Chattisgarh.

He was procured by the franchise at his base price of Rs. 20 lakhs in the final rounds of the auction. He is heralded for deceiving batsman with his sinful flight and a dubious leg-break along with the googly.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/01/Mahipal-Lomror.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-213617" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mahipal-Lomror.jpg" alt="Mahipal Lomror" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-213617" class="wp-caption-text">Mahipal Lomror. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The left-handed all-rounder Lomror was considered as Indian <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/csks-witty-tweet-chris-gayle-going-viral/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chris Gayle</strong></a> when he featured in the U19 CWC in 2016 for his hitting ability. At the age of 18, Lomror serves as a bowling option and a power hitting with the bat for his team.

Lomror is an aggressive batsman who fearlessly goes for the big shots, much like how his role model Adam Gilchrist used to. His first foray in the IPL was in 2016 after being bought by the <strong>Delhi Daredevils</strong>. Although the youngster didn’t manage many chances, he’ll certainly make sure that his performance justifies his selection this time around.

<p>The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/category/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Premier League (IPL)</strong></a> 2018 action for the upcoming season is already underway as the mega players’ auction for the same culminated earlier this weekend. It was an action-filled two days as we witnessed some intense bidding wars between franchises as they attempted to bolster their respective squads. With the salary cap increased for the auction process, the teams spent big as players from India and overseas went under the hammer.</p>
<p>While the list boasted of some IPL heavyweights, it also included a lot of newbies who attracted the franchisees in the auction. The T20 league has been an iconic tournament in the country, unearthing numerous talents which in turn has improved <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-teams/india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India</strong></a>’s cricketing landscape.</p>
<p>The <strong>Rajasthan Royals</strong> franchise will embark on a fresh new journey as they gear themselves up for the upcoming season. The inaugural champions who are making a return to the fray after serving a two-year ban will wish to forget their past horrors and start afresh. Among all the franchises, the ones that arguably made the most surprising moves is the Royals.</p>
<p>While the franchise has acquired certain big-shots in the likes of Ben Stokes, Jaydev Unadkat and Ajinkya Rahane amongst others, they have also continued to give the young colts a chance by purchasing them at the auctions. Royals had previously been clinical in unearthing and developing numerous talents.&nbsp;Given below are the unknown stars who can shine for RR in the upcoming season.</p>
<h3>1. Zahir Khan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_214771" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-214771" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/01/Zahir-Khan-Pakteen.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-214771" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Zahir-Khan-Pakteen.jpg" alt="Zahir Khan Pakteen" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-214771" class="wp-caption-text">Zahir Khan Pakteen. (Photo Source: Facebook)</figcaption></figure>
<p>A revelation of the ongoing edition of the U19 World Cup, <strong>Afghanistan</strong> chinaman Zahir Khan is amongst the most promising prospects in the RR squad. Khan was a part of the junior Afghanistan squad which made to the semis of the World Cup.</p>
<p>He had already made news when he ended as leading wicket-taker in Afghanistan’s Shpageeza Cricket League T20 with 15 wickets by pushing Rashid Khan (14) behind. He has taken a staggering 31 wickets in only 6 first-class games that he has played so far having&nbsp;represented the team in the Intercontinental Cup.</p>
<h3>2. Aryaman Vikram Birla</h3>
<figure id="attachment_190981" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-190981" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/11/Aryaman-Vikram-Birla.jpeg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-190981" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Aryaman-Vikram-Birla.jpeg" alt="Aryaman Vikram Birla" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-190981" class="wp-caption-text">Aryaman Vikram Birla. (Photo Source: Deccan Chronicle)</figcaption></figure>
<p>He is the son of Kumar Mangalam Birla, the chairman of Aditya Birla Group. Aryaman moved out of Mumbai to pursue cricket at a higher level. The opening batsman is currently a part of Madhya Pradesh Under-23 side. He is now a part of the RR setup that is known for identifying and polishing young talents.</p>
<p>Even though Aryaman is the son of one of the biggest industrialists, instead of driving fancy cars, he chose to sweat it out in the cricketing field. Although without much experience, the opportunity will provide the youngster with a great learning curve as he will get to learn from the best in the business.</p>
<h3>3. Sudhesan Midhun</h3>
<figure id="attachment_216942" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216942" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/01/Sudhesan-Midhun.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-216942" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sudhesan-Midhun.jpg" alt="Sudhesan Midhun" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-216942" class="wp-caption-text">Sudhesan Midhun. (Photo Source: The Hindu)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The leg-spinner from Kerala made his debut for state team in the 2018 Mushtaq Ali Trophy. With his prime weapon being the googly, Midhun conceded 66 runs in 11 overs he bowled in three games with just one wicket to his name. The runs wouldn’t concern him since teams are usually aware of the costs incurred by the leggies as the risk and reward are pretty much in direct proportion.</p>
<p>Coming on the back of some incredible performances, Midhun will try to consolidate his place in the squad. He will be joining fellow Keralite <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sanju-samson-delighted-to-be-back-with-the-royals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sanju Samson</strong></a> in the Rajasthan ranks.</p>
<h3>4. Jatin Saxena</h3>
<figure id="attachment_216943" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216943" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/01/Jatin-Saxena.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-216943" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Jatin-Saxena.jpg" alt="Jatin Saxena" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-216943" class="wp-caption-text">Jatin Saxena. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The leg-spin bowling all-rounder Jatin has an experience of ten years in Indian domestic circuit under his belt. He is the older brother of another spin all-rounder Jajal Saxena who bowls off-spin. While Jatin represents Kerala in the Indian domestic cricket, Jajal plays for Chattisgarh.</p>
<p>He was procured by the franchise at his base price of Rs. 20 lakhs in the final rounds of the auction. He is heralded for deceiving batsman with his sinful flight and a dubious leg-break along with the googly.</p>
<h3>5. Mahipal Lomror</h3>
<figure id="attachment_213617" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-213617" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/01/Mahipal-Lomror.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-213617" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mahipal-Lomror.jpg" alt="Mahipal Lomror" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-213617" class="wp-caption-text">Mahipal Lomror. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The left-handed all-rounder Lomror was considered as Indian <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/csks-witty-tweet-chris-gayle-going-viral/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chris Gayle</strong></a> when he featured in the U19 CWC in 2016 for his hitting ability. At the age of 18, Lomror serves as a bowling option and a power hitting with the bat for his team.</p>
<p>Lomror is an aggressive batsman who fearlessly goes for the big shots, much like how his role model Adam Gilchrist used to. His first foray in the IPL was in 2016 after being bought by the <strong>Delhi Daredevils</strong>. Although the youngster didn’t manage many chances, he’ll certainly make sure that his performance justifies his selection this time around.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/category/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Premier League (IPL)</strong></a> 2018 action for the upcoming season is already underway as the mega players&#8217; auction for the same culminated earlier this weekend. It was an action-filled two days as we witnessed some intense bidding wars between franchises as they attempted to bolster their respective squads. With the salary cap increased for the auction process, the teams spent big as players from India and overseas went under the hammer.</p>
<p>While the list boasted of some IPL heavyweights, it also included a lot of newbies who attracted the franchisees in the auction. The T20 league has been an iconic tournament in the country, unearthing numerous talents which in turn has improved <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-teams/india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India</strong></a>’s cricketing landscape.</p>
<p>The <strong>Rajasthan Royals</strong> franchise will embark on a fresh new journey as they gear themselves up for the upcoming season. The inaugural champions who are making a return to the fray after serving a two-year ban will wish to forget their past horrors and start afresh. Among all the franchises, the ones that arguably made the most surprising moves is the Royals.</p>
<p>While the franchise has acquired certain big-shots in the likes of Ben Stokes, Jaydev Unadkat and Ajinkya Rahane amongst others, they have also continued to give the young colts a chance by purchasing them at the auctions. Royals had previously been clinical in unearthing and developing numerous talents. Given below are the unknown stars who can shine for RR in the upcoming season.</p>
<h3>1. Zahir Khan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_214771" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-214771" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/01/Zahir-Khan-Pakteen.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-214771" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Zahir-Khan-Pakteen.jpg" alt="Zahir Khan Pakteen" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-214771" class="wp-caption-text">Zahir Khan Pakteen. (Photo Source: Facebook)</figcaption></figure>
<p>A revelation of the ongoing edition of the U19 World Cup, <strong>Afghanistan</strong> chinaman Zahir Khan is amongst the most promising prospects in the RR squad. Khan was a part of the junior Afghanistan squad which made to the semis of the World Cup.</p>
<p>He had already made news when he ended as leading wicket-taker in Afghanistan’s Shpageeza Cricket League T20 with 15 wickets by pushing Rashid Khan (14) behind. He has taken a staggering 31 wickets in only 6 first-class games that he has played so far having represented the team in the Intercontinental Cup.</p>
<h3>2. Aryaman Vikram Birla</h3>
<figure id="attachment_190981" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-190981" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/11/Aryaman-Vikram-Birla.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-190981" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Aryaman-Vikram-Birla.jpeg" alt="Aryaman Vikram Birla" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-190981" class="wp-caption-text">Aryaman Vikram Birla. (Photo Source: Deccan Chronicle)</figcaption></figure>
<p>He is the son of Kumar Mangalam Birla, the chairman of Aditya Birla Group. Aryaman moved out of Mumbai to pursue cricket at a higher level. The opening batsman is currently a part of Madhya Pradesh Under-23 side. He is now a part of the RR setup that is known for identifying and polishing young talents.</p>
<p>Even though Aryaman is the son of one of the biggest industrialists, instead of driving fancy cars, he chose to sweat it out in the cricketing field. Although without much experience, the opportunity will provide the youngster with a great learning curve as he will get to learn from the best in the business.</p>
<h3>3. Sudhesan Midhun</h3>
<figure id="attachment_216942" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216942" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/01/Sudhesan-Midhun.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-216942" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sudhesan-Midhun.jpg" alt="Sudhesan Midhun" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-216942" class="wp-caption-text">Sudhesan Midhun. (Photo Source: The Hindu)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The leg-spinner from Kerala made his debut for state team in the 2018 Mushtaq Ali Trophy. With his prime weapon being the googly, Midhun conceded 66 runs in 11 overs he bowled in three games with just one wicket to his name. The runs wouldn&#8217;t concern him since teams are usually aware of the costs incurred by the leggies as the risk and reward are pretty much in direct proportion.</p>
<p>Coming on the back of some incredible performances, Midhun will try to consolidate his place in the squad. He will be joining fellow Keralite <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sanju-samson-delighted-to-be-back-with-the-royals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sanju Samson</strong></a> in the Rajasthan ranks.</p>
<h3>4. Jatin Saxena</h3>
<figure id="attachment_216943" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216943" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/01/Jatin-Saxena.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-216943" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Jatin-Saxena.jpg" alt="Jatin Saxena" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-216943" class="wp-caption-text">Jatin Saxena. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The leg-spin bowling all-rounder Jatin has an experience of ten years in Indian domestic circuit under his belt. He is the older brother of another spin all-rounder Jajal Saxena who bowls off-spin. While Jatin represents Kerala in the Indian domestic cricket, Jajal plays for Chattisgarh.</p>
<p>He was procured by the franchise at his base price of Rs. 20 lakhs in the final rounds of the auction. He is heralded for deceiving batsman with his sinful flight and a dubious leg-break along with the googly.</p>
<h3>5. Mahipal Lomror</h3>
<figure id="attachment_213617" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-213617" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/01/Mahipal-Lomror.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-213617" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mahipal-Lomror.jpg" alt="Mahipal Lomror" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-213617" class="wp-caption-text">Mahipal Lomror. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The left-handed all-rounder Lomror was considered as Indian <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/csks-witty-tweet-chris-gayle-going-viral/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chris Gayle</strong></a> when he featured in the U19 CWC in 2016 for his hitting ability. At the age of 18, Lomror serves as a bowling option and a power hitting with the bat for his team.</p>
<p>Lomror is an aggressive batsman who fearlessly goes for the big shots, much like how his role model Adam Gilchrist used to. His first foray in the IPL was in 2016 after being bought by the <strong>Delhi Daredevils</strong>. Although the youngster didn’t manage many chances, he’ll certainly make sure that his performance justifies his selection this time around.</p>

While the franchises have acquired certain big-shots, they have also continued to give the young colts a chance.

IPL 2018: Unknown players of the Rajasthan Royals

Among all the franchises in the IPL, the franchise that has arguably made the most surprising moves is the Rajasthan Royals. They went for some of the big