India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a prediction ahead of the IPL auction that Rajvardhan Hagargekar, who is playing for India in the U-19 World Cup, will be a sure-shot pick in the auction.
Rajvardhan Hangargekar impressed one and all in this tournament with his all-round skills as he picked 5 wickets in 4 matches and also he played a cameo of 17-ball 39 against Uganda.
Discussing the U-19 stars in his YouTube channel, Ashwin lauded the all-rounder as he believes that he should be a no-brainer pick for any franchise in the mega auction.
“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.” Ashwin spoke on his Youtube Channel.
“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.” he added.
Hangargekar has already played senior-level cricket as he represented Maharashtra in 5 List A games and 2 T20s. In 5 List-A games, he picked 10 wickets which included two 4-fors.
“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.” he stated.
Ashwin also lauded India’s captain Yash Dhull and thinks that some franchises would like to invest in youth like Sunrisers Hyderabad picked Priyam Garg two years back.
“I am not sure if Dewald Brevis will get picked”- Ashwin
“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.” Ashwin said.
However, Ashwin is not sure if the franchises would be keen to invest in South Africa’s young sensation Dewald Brevis, popularly known as ‘Baby AB’ on social media. In 4 matches so far in the tournament, Dewald Brevis returned with the scores 65, 104, 96 & 97 and he also picked 6 wickets.
“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 a 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,” Ashwin concluded.
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