India's off-spinner R Ashwin, who was released by Delhi Capitals (DC), is confident of Shikhar Dhawan and Ishant Kishan fetching a big amount in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2022) mega-auction. Ashwin had shared the dressing room with Dhawan in the last two IPL seasons for DC, while Kishan was part of Mumbai Indians (MI).
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said 'old is gold' and there is always a value for experience while backing Dhawan to attract the franchises in the auction. He feels except for Rajasthan Royals, all the franchises would need an opener like him.
ALSO READ: IPL 2022: Aakash Chopra opines whether MI will go for Ishan Kishan in the mega auction
Dhawan has a terrific record in IPL, and he scored 587 runs in 16 games last year. "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," he said.
"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," he added.
Ashwin also praised youngster, Kishan and said he's a "3-in-1" player who is worth every amount spent on him in the auction. He added that the 23-year-old sledges more than DC skipper Rishabh Pant.
"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 3-in-1 player. And he can sledge you from behind the stumps as well. In fact, he sledges you more than Rishabh Pant," he added.
