Kevin Pietersen
Vijay Mallya did not hesitate to pay $1.3 million to acquire the former England captain. In fact, he had come prepared. This made Kevin Pietersen the most expensive player in the IPL -- along with England teammate Andy Flintoff. Does Pietersen deserve that much money? On the basis of talent, he does. As regards performance, only time will tell.
Mark Boucher
The South African wicketkeeper was one of the few success stories for Bangalore Royal Challengers in an otherwise disappointing season. Boucher amassed 225 runs in 10 matches, an aggregate second only to captain Rahul Dravid's 371 in 14. In the second season, RCB will expect more from the South African as they strive for a better result.
Nathan Bracken
The Australian is just the kind of bowler any team will require to make crucial breakthroughs. Bracken, who signed up for Royal Challengers for $325,000, underwent knee surgery and that cut short his participation in the inaugural edition. However, now fit and raring to go, the Australian might just be the weapon the Bangalore team needs in its armoury.
Ross Taylor
Ross Taylor's contribution to Royal Challengers' cause in the inaugural edition was decent -- 149 runs from four matches. The New Zealand batsman was also in remarkable form in the just-concluded series against India. The Bangalore team's wish-list pertaining to Taylor will comprise two things – one, Taylor continues with his good form; two, that he plays for a longer period this season.
Jesse Ryder
An expensive player bought cheaply. That must be Royal Challengers' assessment of Jesse Ryder after witnessing the New Zealander blast the hapless Indian bowlers to all parts of the ground in the just-concluded series. Ryder was effective in all three formats against India. And his attacking game makes him a potential threat in the Twenty20 tournament, a threat to all of Bangalore's rivals.
Dale Steyn
Dale Steyn took 10 wickets in the inaugural IPL but failed to help his team finish higher than seventh. Steyn was bought for $325,000 and among the many South Africans -- Kallis, Boucher et al -- who bolster the Royal Challengers' squad. With Steyn again in good form, RC will need him to form a good bowling partnership with Bracken to help carry the team through.
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