‘He will certainly be picked at IPL mega auction’ – R Ashwin predicts India U19 star’s future

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has predicted that the India U19 all-rounder Rajvardhan Hangarekar will be selected by one of the teams in the upcoming IPL mega auctions. Hangarekar is an exceptional talent with the bat and the ball, Ashwin added.

The youngster is currently playing with the Indian team in the ICC U19 World Cup. With his medium pace, the 19-year old has picked five wickets in the four matches so far and is the second-highest wicket-taker for India. He also scored a match-winning 39 in 17 balls against Ireland.

Speaking of his chances in the IPL mega auctions on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said, “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.”

Ashwin said Hangarekar is also a middle-order power hitter, and to look out for him in the auctions as he will attract at least 5-10 bids.

Speaking about the India U-19’s captain Yash Dhull, he said, “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.”

Captain Dhull has only played two matches in the tournament due to the Covid-19 outbreak but has scored 102 runs so far including 82 runs against South Africa. The IPL mega auctions will be hosted in Bangalore on the 12th and 13th of February, while the IPL’s 2022 edition is expected to start in the last week of March.