‘He’s a 3-in-1 package’ – R Ashwin backs this youngster to fetch 15-17 crores in mega auction
The Indian T20 League mega auction is right around the corner and the teams are busy making strategies on how to build their teams. Teams were allowed to retain a maximum of four players last year. The pre-existing teams have retained a maximum of four players and a minimum of two players, while two new teams have signed three players each. A total of 370 Indians and 220 overseas will go under the hammer in the two-day event on February 12 and 13.
Meanwhile, India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said that when the T20s started, it was believed that it is a young man’s game but things have changed and many teams will be going after experienced players like Shikhar Dhawan. Ashwin also backed Dhawan to score more than 500 runs in the season.
“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.
“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,” Ashwin said on his Youtube Channel.
The veteran spinner was also high in praise for Ishan Kishan. He spoke about how Mumbai used the batter in various roles and he came out with flying colours. He added that Kishan is a 3-in-1 package and can fetch 15-17 crores in the auction.
“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,” said Ashwin.
“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,” he concluded.
