IPL 2022 Auction LIVE: U19 World Cup Stars in high demand – Raj Bawa and Rajvardhan Hangargekar, two players from the Indian U-19 World Cup-winning squad who impressed one and all with their all-round abilities have bagged their first IPL deals and became crorepatis. Raj Bawa was picked up by Punjab Kings for 2 crores while Hangargekar was snapped up by Chennai Super Kings for 1.5 crores. South Africa’s Dewald Brevis, aka ‘Baby AB’ also bagged a deal worth 3 Cr from MI. Follow IPL 2022 Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
IPL 2022 Auction LIVE: Franchises GO BIG on U19 World Cup stars, Raj Bawa, Hangargekar & Baby AB highlight demands at IPL Auction – Check out
- Raj Bawa’s name was the first to come up at the auction and soon there was a bidding battle for the all-rounder who picked up five wickets in the U-19 World Cup final.
- There was an intense three-way battle between Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians. In the end, Punjab had the last laugh.
- Soon after this, another tussle began for Rajvardhan Hangargekar. Mumbai Indian raised the paddle first and they were son followed by Chennai Super Kings.
- In the end, the four-time champions managed to get him under their wing for a price that is nearly five times more than his base price of 30 Lakhs.
IPL 2022 Auction LIVE: Franchises GO BIG on U19 World Cup stars, Raj Bawa, Hangargekar & Baby AB highlight demands at IPL Auction – Check out
RAJ BA-WAAAAAAAAAAAH! 🔥
How many ❤️s for this young 🦁?#IPLAuction #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #TATAIPLAuction pic.twitter.com/6anYqQjG5T
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) February 13, 2022
IPL 2022 Auction LIVE: Franchises GO BIG on U19 World Cup stars, Raj Bawa, Hangargekar & Baby AB highlight demands at IPL Auction – Check out
- Raj Bawa hails from a family of sportsmen. His grandfather Tarlochan Singh Bawa was a member of the 1948 Olympic gold medal winning Hockey team. Raj’s father Sukwinder Singh Bawa was Yuvraj Singh’s coach in his formative years.
- The hard-hitting left hand batsman who bowls right-arm pace showcased had a terrific U-19 World Cup, slamming 164 against Uganda and 42 against Ireland in the group stages.
- With the ball, he picked up a four-wicket haul against South Africa and became the first Indian to take a fifer in any ICC tournament final, when he achieved the feat against England in the summit clash.
Blue Colt is now a Yellove Bolt! ⚡#SuperAuction #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/xCU5kLoZND
— Chennai Super Kings – Mask P😷du Whistle P🥳du! (@ChennaiIPL) February 13, 2022
IPL 2022 Auction LIVE: Franchises GO BIG on U19 World Cup stars, Raj Bawa, Hangargekar & Baby AB highlight demands at IPL Auction – Check out
- Meanwhile, Hangargekar, who idolises West Indies legend Michael Holding has played 5 List A and 2 T20 matches for Maharashtra.
- He picked up 19 wickets in just 8 games in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy and scored 216 runs at a Strike Rate of 133.
- A year before he was selected for the Indian U-19 team, he faced a personal tragedy as his father passed away due to Covid in June 2020.
- The pacer can clock speed of 140s consistently and in the Under-19 World Cup he scalped four wickets in five games.
- He also smashed a 17-ball 39 against Ireland, hitting five huge sixes that included three consecutive ones in the last over.
Raj Bawa was really excited to be a part of the Punjab Kings and particularly to play with Shikhar Dhawan. Bawa said to the Times of India, “Excited to meet him (Shikhar Dhawan) and see if he knows about it. I have always looked up to him and sharing the dressing room with him would be a great experience.”
Raj Bawal’s father Sukhwinder Singh Bawa who was the coach of Yuvraj Singh in 2011 said to the Times of India, “I am not concerned about the price tag. He has gone one step ahead after the World Cup performance. The real test for him as a cricketer comes now. Being a part of any IPL side is a learning curve for any youngster, and for Raj in particular, who better than a coach like Anil Kumble, fielding coach like Jonty Rhodes, and seniors like Shikhar Dhawan would a youngster expect.”
Earlier before the auction, R Ashwin had predicted that Hangargekar could attract 5-10 bids. “This player will certainly be picked at the IPL auction. 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 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 added. The prediction has now come true.
IPL 2022 Auction LIVE: Franchises GO BIG on U19 World Cup stars, Raj Bawa, Hangargekar & Baby AB highlight demands at IPL Auction – Check out
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