Veteran Team India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin believes young wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan might fetch a big sum in the upcoming IPL 2022 auction. The mega auction is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13.
Ishan, who was released by Mumbai Indians, can don the all-rounder’s hat for his side. He can also don the finisher’s role, open the innings and keep the wickets, which make Ishan one of the most sought-after players.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin said:
“Ishan Kishan is one exciting option. But Mumbai also used him in the middle-order. So, he is a 3-in-1 package since his main dynamic of being a keeper adds a massive value. A keeper who can bat at the top, in the middle and he provides another variety of him being a left-hander as well.”
He added:
“The general perception is that he will go for 15-17 crores. I don’t know about the exact value. But he is worth every crore that you are gonna be spending. So, Ishan Kishan will go for plenty since he is a 5-in-1 player. And he can sledge you from behind the stumps as well. In fact, he sledges you more than Rishabh Pant.”
Ishan Kishan has been an integral part of Mumbai Indians in the last couple of years. In 61 IPL matches, the youngster has amassed 1452 runs.
“Except for Rajasthan Royals, every single team will need Shikhar Dhawan” – Ravichandran Ashwin
The experienced customer is expected to set the auction floor on fire with teams likely to break the banks for Dhawan. He is in the ₹2 crore base price category and Ravichandran Ashwin feels his former Delhi Capitals mate might earn big money at the auction.
“Then, we have Shikhar Dhawan. As the saying goes, Old is Gold. There is no doubt when it comes to that. In fact, when T20 started, it was seen as a young man’s sport. But as time flies by, these experienced cricketers are making all the difference and winning you championships,” said Ravichandran Ashwin.
“So, there is always a value for experience and therefore, Shikhar Dhawan will go for a decent amount. And he will surely score 450-500 runs as well. So, you might ask who will need Shikhar Dhawan? Except for Rajasthan Royals, every single team will need Shikhar Dhawan,” he added.
Shikhar Dhawan had a superlative run in IPL 2021, scoring 587 runs in 16 games.