Veteran Team India off-spinner R Ashwin has said that U-19 all-rounder Rajvardhan Hangargekar could be picked by one of the IPL franchises at the 2022 mega auction. He said that Hangargekar has exceptional talent with both bat and ball and he can be a good prospect as an all-rounder.
The young Rajvardhan Hangargekar is currently playing in India’s U19 World Cup 2022 squad in the West Indies. He has picked up five wickets with his medium-pace so far, including 2-8 against Uganda as well. Hangargekar also smashed an unbeaten 39 off 17, with the help of five sixes, in the match against Ireland.
Discussing this, R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel: “This player will certainly be picked at the IPL auction. Which franchise I cannot predict, but he will surely be purchased. His name is Rajvardhan Hangargekar. He is a right-arm medium pacer, who can bowl the inswinger very well. Ishant Sharma is the only one who has the gift among present Indian right-arm pacers. Inswing can usually tuck in batters, which is why I feel he will be in demand.”
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Meanwhile, R Ashwin also pointed out that Rajvardhan Hangargekar’s big-hitting ability with the willow would be an added advantage for him. Hangargekar picked up 1-19 from 7.1 overs in the U19 World Cup 2022 quarter-final against Bangladesh, where India bundled out their opponents for 111 as well.
He added: “He is also a strong lower middle-order hitter. The power he generates when he hits the ball is incredible. He should attract at least 5-10 bids. Make sure to watch him out. Yash Dhull is a highly talented batter. Last time SRH picked up U19 skipper Priyam Garg. Will they do the same this time? We’ll have to wait and watch. DC has also backed a former U19 captain in Shaw.”
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“Dewald Brevis is being promoted a lot as Baby AB. He is playing sensationally, and people have started asking whether he can be picked in the IPL. But each team has only eight overseas slots. Will it be worth giving one of those slots to an U19 overseas player is the big question for the franchises. So, despite him being termed Baby AB, I am not sure if he will get picked,” R Ashwin concluded.
