Indian U19 star Rajvardhan Hangargekar was bought by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for INR 1.5 crores in the IPL 2022 mega auction. There was a lot of demand for the all-rounder before CSK scooped him up.
Hangargekar was impressive in the recent U19 World Cup which India won by defeating England in the finals in the Caribbean. Hangargekar was not only brilliant with the ball but also landed some hefty blows with the bat as well. He picked 5 wickets and made 52 runs in 6 matches during the tournament.
When he was bought by CSK in the IPL 2022 auction, Hangargekar only had his father on his mind. His father Subhash succumbed to COVID-19 in June last year and Rajvardhan revealed that he was a die-hard fan of the Chennai Super Kings franchise.
“My father just loved CSK and used to follow them passionately. I wish he were alive to see this day. Wherever he is, he will certainly be happier than all of us. I really have no words. More than money, for me, playing is important. These things will come as long as I am performing. So, my only focus will be on doing well in my cricket,” Hangargekar told The Indian Express.
IPL 2022: WATCH - Sreesanth sings 'Rukk Jana Nahi' after going unsold in mega-auction
Hangargekar was one of those players who was tipped as the favorites to get picked up in the IPL auctions. His all-around skills could have come in handy for any other team.
Meanwhile, Hangargekar’s coach Mohan Jadhav wants his student to observe Dhoni and learn from him.
“Playing in the IPL is a dream for every cricketer. My only advice to Rajvardhan is to watch and learn from Dhoni. I know if given a chance, he will showcase his talent as well. There will be nerves, but he is mentally very strong. I have seen him grow as a person since he lost his father to COVID-19 in June 2020,” said Jadhav.
Here’s the full Chennai Super Kings squad:
Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Moeen Ali, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dwayne Bravo, Ambati Rayudu, Robin Uthappa, Deepak Chahar, KM Asif, Tushar Deshpande, KM Asif, Shivam Dube, Maheesh Theekshana, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Simarjeet Singh, Devon Conway, Dwaine Pretorius, Mitchell Santner, Subhranshu Senapati, Adam Milne, Mukesh Choudhary, Prashant Solanki, C Hari Nishaanth, N Jagadeesan, Chris Jordan, K Bhagath Varma.
