Shikhar Dhawan was purchased by Punjab Kings for Rs 8.25 crore

On Saturday in Bengaluru, Shikhar Dhawan became the first player to be sold in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction. Punjab Kings paid Rs 8.25 crore for the seasoned India opener, who had previously played with Delhi Capitals.

Dhawan was the subject of a bidding battle between the Rajasthan Royals and the Delhi Capitals. Rajasthan started bidding for Dhawan, who had a base price of Rs 2 crore.

After Rajasthan pulled out of the race, Delhi and Punjab pursued Dhawan, who is one of the most consistent performers in IPL history with 5784 runs in 192 matches. Punjab eventually acquired the India opener, who will likely partner Mayank Agarwal at the top of the order for the Punjab franchise.

Ten players were listed as marquee stars for the IPL 2022 auction, including Ashwin, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Shami, and Shikhar Dhawan. Each one has a starting price of Rs 2 crore.

On Day 1 of the IPL 2022 auction in Bengaluru, a total of 161 players will be auctioned off. Hugh Emandes, a British auctioneer, is in charge of selling players ahead of the 10-team IPL 2022, which is expected to begin in India in the last week of March.

KL Rahul, the India vice-captain, is the most expensive player so far in the IPL 2022 draught, having been selected by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 17 crore.