The Delhi Premier League (DPL) auction is more than just a talent market; it's a platform that showcases the next generation of cricket stars, often with famous surnames and impressive performances. This year's auction was particularly intriguing, with intense bidding wars and franchises using their Right to Match cards to retain top players. Among the players up for grabs, three stood out for their unique connections to cricket legends and their own rising stars.
The Sehwag Legacy
One of the most notable stories at the auction was the Sehwag family's presence. Vedant Sehwag, the younger son of former Indian cricket captain Virender Sehwag, was picked up by Central Delhi Kings for a modest Rs 1 lakh. Vedant, just 16 years old, is an off-spin bowler and a right-handed batting all-rounder. His debut in 2024 for Delhi Under-16s in the Vijay Merchant Trophy, where he claimed four wickets against Punjab, has already caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts. While his father was a dashing batsman, Vedant's game is built around his bowling skills, which could be a valuable asset for any franchise.
His elder brother, Aaryavir Sehwag, was also part of the auction, having been bought by Central Delhi Kings for Rs 8 lakh last year. Aaryavir, who showed intent in his single game, returned to the auction pool this year and was picked up by West Delhi Lions for Rs 3 lakh. The Sehwag brothers' involvement in the DPL auction highlights the legacy of their father's cricketing prowess and the potential for the next generation to make their mark.
Virat Kohli's Nephew
Another intriguing story is that of Aaryaveer Kohli, the 16-year-old nephew of Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli. Aaryaveer, who played for South Delhi Superstarz last year, was bought by Central Delhi Kings. His young age and connection to one of cricket's most celebrated players make him a player to watch in the future. The auction showcases the potential for young talent to be discovered and nurtured, even if they don't have a cricketing background.
Sarthak Ranjan's Rise
Sarthak Ranjan, once known primarily for being the son of Bihar politician Pappu Yadav, has now established himself as a cricketer in his own right. North Delhi Strikers used their Right to Match card to retain him, indicating their high regard for his skills. Ranjan's performance in the first two seasons of the DPL was impressive, scoring 252 runs in 10 innings in the first season and 449 runs in just nine games in the second. His rise from a political background to a potential IPL star is a testament to the league's ability to launch careers.
Tejaswi Dahiya's Journey
The auction's top buy, Tejaswi Dahiya, is a hard-working Delhi cricketer without a cricketing surname or political legacy. Dahiya, who went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, had a strong DPL season, scoring 339 runs with a strike rate close to 200. His clean hitting caught the attention of Kolkata Knight Riders, who spent Rs 3 crore on him at the IPL 2026 auction. Now, DPL has made him its most expensive player, with a purse of Rs 1.5 crore allocated to each team for the third season. Dahiya's journey from an unsold player to the most expensive buy in the DPL auction is a testament to the league's potential to uncover hidden gems.
The DPL auction is more than just a talent market; it's a platform for the next generation of cricket stars to showcase their skills and potentially launch their careers. With famous surnames, impressive performances, and rising stars, the auction provides a glimpse into the future of Indian cricket, where talent and hard work can lead to big opportunities.
