IPL Auction 2022: Excited to share dressing room with Shikhar Dhawan, says Raj Angad Bawa

Raj Angad Bawa's record breaking performance at the recently-concluded Under-19 World Cup final against England in Antigua not only caught the attention of the nation but kept many IPL teams hunting for a pace-bowling all-round option, interested, on the second day of the mega auction in Bengaluru. The Chandigarh teenager entered the auction at a base price of Rs 20 lakh, but soon witnessed his price tag swelling as Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings were locked in a keen battle. The Punjab Kings had the last laugh, acquiring the all-rounder for Rs 2 crore. IPL AUCTION: AS IT HAPPENEDA hard-hitting southpaw and a crafty right-arm medium pacer, Raj was one of the finds of India's victorious Under-19 World Cup campaign, returning with nine wickets and 252 runs from six matches. He saved his best for the summit clash against the English colts, claiming a five-for to guide India to the title. Co-incidentally, Raj Angad will share the Punjab Kings dressing room with Shikhar Dhawan, whose long-standing record of the highest individual score by an Indian in the U-19 World Cup was recently shattered by the Chandigarh youngster. A Covid-hit India U19 team faced Uganda in a group match and Raj rewrote the record books by smashing an unbeaten 162 off 108 deliveries, to eclipse Dhawan's 155 against Kenya at the 2004 U19 World Cup. "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," a delighted Rajangad told TOI after being picked by Punjab Kings.

Bawa's performance prompted the UT Cricket Association to include him in the Chandigarh squad for the Ranji Trophy, and the teenager is now with the Manan