In 2017, the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) had opened the Virender Sehwag Gate at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium (now Arun Jaitley Stadium) in October. This was to honour Sehwag, a legend who changed the way people looked at Test openers. He scored two triple centuries, had amazing hand-eye coordination, contributed to two World Cup wins and often won matches for India.
Seven years later, his son Aaryavir made his debut at the same ground in the second Delhi Premier League (DPL). Central Delhi Kings needed a new opener as Yash Dhull had joined North Zone team for Duleep Trophy 2025. The Kings were doing well this season so they needed someone to keep the momentum going. They chose Aaryavir and scheduled his debut against East Delhi Riders, a tough opponent.
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On Wednesday, everyone watched as Aaryavir and Kaushal Suman opened the innings. Social media was buzzing. Aaryavir showed off his batting skills, some shots were similar to his father’s. He scored 22 off 16 balls but his confidence was clear. His start helped Central Delhi reach 155/6 in 20 overs which was enough to beat East Delhi.
In the post match press conference, Aaryavir was asked when he was told about his DPL debut. After the last game I was told I will play the next one, Aaryavir said. I caught a ball in the previous match. After the game Jonty [Sidhu] told me I will play the next match.
The 17-year-old started cautiously but then hit Navdeep Saini, who has played 11 T20Is, for two boundaries in a row. He lofted one over covers and hammered the next through extra cover. Getting 12 runs in that over rattled Saini early in the game.
Those boundaries boosted Aaryavir’s confidence so much that he did the same to another East Delhi bowler Raunak Waghela. It felt good. The first two boundaries made me confident and helped me get comfortable. But the innings wasn’t very long. I’ll try to stay in the game longer next time, he said about his first knock.Before the playoffs Aaryavir plans to take advice from his father who changed power-hitting in all formats of the game. Aaryavir often asks his father for guidance. Of course. When Father speaks, I have to listen, Aaryavir joked.
As DPL 2025 is nearing the end, Arun Jaitley Stadium is hosting many scouts from different IPL teams. But Aaryavir said he’s not thinking about that especially during the game. We know we’re being watched. The scouts are watching us. But we don’t think about it too much especially when we’re on the field. We just focus on the game, he added.
Central Delhi Kings have made it to DPL 2025 playoffs. With big games coming up everyone will be watching the young player whose name makes people curious about his performance.
