Opener Shikhar Dhawan, who was released by Delhi Capitals, has been bought for ₹8.25 crore by Punjab Kings as the first buy of the IPL 2022 mega auction. Dhawan, who had a base price of ₹2 crore, has been sold for his highest-ever auction price. Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals also bid for Dhawan in the bidding war.