Back in October 2017, the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) honoured Virender Sehwag by inaugurating the Virender Sehwag Gate at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium (now Arun Jaitley Stadium). It was a tribute to a batting legend who redefined the role of a Test opener, scored two triple centuries, played a key role in two World Cup-winning campaigns, and remains one of India’s greatest match-winners.
Seven years later, the same venue witnessed a special moment — the debut of Sehwag’s elder son, Aaryavir Sehwag, in the second edition of the Delhi Premier League (DPL).
Filling Big Shoes at the Top
The Central Delhi Kings, flying high this season, needed a replacement for regular opener Yash Dhull, who left to join the North Zone side for the Duleep Trophy 2025. The management placed their faith in 17-year-old Aaryavir, handing him a debut against a strong opponent — the East Delhi Riders.
On Wednesday evening, all eyes were on the youngster as he walked out alongside wicketkeeper-batter Kaushal Suman. Social media was abuzz, the cameras followed his every move, and soon, flashes of his father’s flair lit up the stadium.
Aaryavir scored a fluent 22 off 16 balls, striking some eye-catching boundaries that oozed confidence. His knock helped Central Delhi Kings post 155/6 in 20 overs, a total that proved enough for a 62-run win.
“The First Two Boundaries Gave Me Confidence”
Speaking after the game, Aaryavir recalled when he first learned about his debut.
“After the last game, Jonty [Sidhu] bhaiyya told me I would play the next match,” he revealed.
The youngster started cautiously but soon took on India international Navdeep Saini, smashing him for consecutive boundaries — first lofting one over cover and then carving another through extra cover. He repeated the act against Raunak Waghela, taking on bowlers with a fearless approach.
“It felt good. The first two boundaries gave me confidence and helped me settle in. But the innings wasn’t long enough. I’ll try to stay longer next time,” he admitted.
Advice From “Father Sahab”
Ahead of the playoffs, Aaryavir plans to seek feedback from his father, who built a reputation as one of the most destructive openers the game has seen.
“Absolutely. Jab father sahab bolenge to sunna to padega hi (When my father speaks, I have to listen),” he laughed.
IPL Scouts Watching Closely
The Arun Jaitley Stadium has been buzzing with scouts from multiple IPL franchises, keen to spot the next big talent. But Aaryavir insists he isn’t distracted.
“We know we are being monitored, but we don’t think about it too much. Once we’re on the field, it’s just about focusing on the game,” he said.
With the Central Delhi Kings already in the playoffs, attention will now shift to how the young Sehwag carries his team forward. Much like his surname, expectations will continue to follow him — but on debut, Aaryavir showed he has the temperament, flair, and determination to carve a name of his own.
