The much-anticipated IPL 2022 mega auction is set to take place in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13, with 590 players up for grabs. There would be 370 Indian players and 220 abroad cricketers going under the hammer, with as many as 48 players opting to place themselves in the Rs 2 crore-category.

Many stars are likely to command high prices, and the event might set a handful of records for the most expensive IPL purchases. Senior India opener Shikhar Dhawan is in the Rs 2 crore base price group and Ravichandran Ashwin believes his old Delhi Capitals teammate may fetch big price in the auction. He also projected that teams will spend a lot of money on young Ishan Kishan because of his versatility. Ishan is not a household name, but he is one of the players to keep an eye on in the Rs 2 crore category.

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Dhawan scored 587 runs in 16 games last season, and this year’s edition will provide the left-handed opener a chance to show his aggressive style of batting. Ashwin also predicted that the seasoned opener will score 450-500 runs in the forthcoming tournament.

“Then there’s Shikhar Dhawan. As the adage goes, ‘old is gold’. When it comes to it, there is no dispute. In reality, when T20 was first introduced, it was seen as a sport for young men. However, as time passes, these seasoned cricketers are making all the difference and winning you championships,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

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“As a result, there is always a monetary value for expertise, and Shikhar Dhawan will command a reasonable fee. And he’ll undoubtedly score 450-500 runs. So, who is going to need Shikhar Dhawan? Except for Rajasthan Royals, every single club would require Shikhar Dhawan,” he continued.

Ashwin went on to laud Ishan, who is also one of the team’s most vital players. With 1452 IPL runs in 61 games, the youthful star might end up being one of the auction’s most costly purchases. He can also play the finisher’s position, begin the innings, and maintain wickets, making Ishan one of the most in-demand players.

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Ishan, who is presently a member of India’s team for the home series against the West Indies, might possibly join the Mumbai Indians if the reigning champions opt to purchase him back.

“Ishan Kishan is one intriguing possibility. However, he was also utilised in the middle order by Mumbai. As a result, he is a three-in-one bundle since his core dynamic of being a keeper offers enormous value. A keeper who can bat at the top, in the middle, and gives another option by being a left-hander,” Ashwin said.

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“The prevailing view is that he will ask for 15-17 crores. I’m not sure what the precise figure is. But he’s worth every rupee you’re going to spend. As a 5-in-1 player, Ishan Kishan will aim for it all. He can even sledge you from behind the stumps. He sledges you more than Rishabh Pant, in fact,” he continued.