In a development that has created waves across domestic cricket circuits and social media, legendary Indian opener Virender Sehwag’s elder son Aaryavir Sehwag bagged a significant bid at the Delhi Premier League (DPL) U-19 auction, while his younger son Vedant Sehwag remained unsold. This contrasting outcome has sparked discussions on performance, expectations from star kids, and the changing dynamics of domestic league auctions.
Aaryavir Sehwag bags massive bid
Aaryavir, aged 16, who has been part of Delhi’s U-16 and U-19 training camps, was picked up for ₹21 lakh by Delhi Titans in a fierce bidding war against two other franchises. Scouts highlighted his technically sound batting style combined with powerful strokeplay, reminiscent of his father’s fearless approach, as the key reason behind this high valuation.
According to coaches, Aaryavir’s recent performances in inter-academy tournaments and his discipline at nets have impressed selectors.
| Player | Age | Auction Base Price | Final Bid | Franchise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaryavir Sehwag | 16 | ₹3 lakh | ₹21 lakh | Delhi Titans |
Vedant Sehwag goes unsold despite trials
On the other hand, Vedant Sehwag, aged 13, was listed in the auction under the Emerging Players category with a base price of ₹1 lakh. Despite attending trials and showing promise as an off-spin all-rounder, no franchise bid for him in the final round. Coaches believe this is due to his age and physical readiness, with franchises prioritising older teenagers who can immediately slot into their playing XI.
| Player | Age | Auction Base Price | Final Bid | Franchise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vedant Sehwag | 13 | ₹1 lakh | Unsold | – |
Sehwag family reactions
Virender Sehwag, known for his grounded approach, congratulated Aaryavir on social media while motivating Vedant to continue working hard.
“Proud of Aaryavir for this achievement. For Vedant, it is just the start of a long journey. Ups and downs are part of cricket. Keep working hard and your time will come.” – Virender Sehwag
Family friends mention that Sehwag has always focused on letting his sons carve their own identity in cricket rather than imposing expectations from his illustrious career.
Coaches’ assessment: Why did Aaryavir succeed?
Performance in recent tournaments:
Aaryavir scored over 350 runs in his last six matches for Delhi U-16 academy team with two fifties and a fluent century against Gurgaon District XI. His temperament during chases impressed scouts.
Batting technique and fitness:
Standing at 5’10”, he possesses a strong bottom hand grip similar to his father, allowing him to clear infield easily. His fitness regimen under personal trainer Rajiv Mehra has enhanced his agility and endurance.
Leadership skills:
He captained his school team to the CBSE North Zone finals, showcasing tactical maturity beyond his age group.
Vedant’s journey ahead
While Vedant did not find a franchise in this DPL edition, coaches remain optimistic. Former Delhi spinner Rajinder Goel, who observed him during trials, stated:
“Vedant is a skilful off-spinner with good batting basics, but his body is still growing. With two more years of academy cricket, he will be auction ready.”
Franchises generally avoid picking players below 14 unless they are prodigies with immediate match readiness, which explains his unsold status despite his Sehwag lineage.
Fan reactions
Social media was flooded with congratulatory messages for Aaryavir, with hashtags #AaryavirSehwag and #SehwagJunior trending throughout the day. Fans also sympathised with Vedant, encouraging him to stay focused.
Sample fan tweets:
- “Like father like son! Aaryavir showing the Sehwag DNA. Congratulations young champ!”
- “Don’t worry Vedant, many legends went unsold in early years. Keep working hard.”
- “Great to see Sehwag’s sons choosing cricket. Future Indian stars in the making.”
Importance of DPL auctions for young players
The DPL has emerged as a critical platform for Delhi’s cricketing talent, acting as a feeder for Ranji Trophy and national U-19 selections. Franchise scouts look for:
- Technical skills and match temperament
- Fitness readiness for competitive T20 cricket
- Ability to handle high-pressure game situations
- Potential for long-term development into IPL or India A players
Performance-based auction trends in DPL
| Auction Year | Highest U-19 Bid (₹ lakh) | Player | Franchise |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 15 | Rahul Chaudhary | Delhi Royals |
| 2023 | 18 | Harsh Tyagi | Delhi Spartans |
| 2024 | 21 | Aaryavir Sehwag | Delhi Titans |
The trend shows increasing investments in youth cricketers, with franchises betting on players who can contribute immediately and potentially become IPL prospects within two seasons.
Sehwag’s philosophy on cricket upbringing
Virender Sehwag has often stated that while he guides his sons technically when needed, he prefers professional coaches to shape their game objectively. Speaking at a school event last year, he said:
“My role is to ensure they have fun playing cricket. I don’t want them to feel burdened with expectations. If they love the game, success will follow.”
Future tournaments for Aaryavir and Vedant
Aaryavir Sehwag will join the Delhi Titans camp next week and is expected to open the innings in the upcoming DPL matches. Strong performances here could earn him selection in Delhi U-19 for the upcoming Cooch Behar Trophy season.
Vedant Sehwag will continue training at the Sehwag Cricket Academy and participate in upcoming inter-academy tournaments to gain match experience and strengthen his claim for next year’s auction.
Challenges ahead for Aaryavir
Despite the celebratory mood, coaches caution that the journey has just begun. Former Delhi selector Sunil Dev commented:
“Getting a high bid brings attention and expectations. The real challenge for Aaryavir now is to convert this into consistent performances. Talent opens doors, but temperament keeps you inside.”
Key lessons from the auction outcome
- Performance outweighs legacy: Franchises bid purely on match readiness rather than famous surnames.
- Physical and mental maturity are crucial: Especially for Emerging Player category prospects.
- Consistent performances build auction value: Recent domestic runs directly influence franchise decisions.
- Patience is key for younger aspirants: Players below 14-15 years are rarely picked unless exceptionally talented.
Final thoughts
The contrasting fortunes of Virender Sehwag’s sons at the DPL auction highlight the highly competitive nature of modern cricket pathways. While Aaryavir Sehwag’s jackpot bid reflects his growing stature as a top-order batter in Delhi circles, Vedant’s unsold status serves as a reminder that cricket remains a meritocratic sport where age, fitness, and performance determine opportunities, regardless of lineage.
Disclaimer: This news article is for informational purposes only. Auction amounts, age details, and player assessments are based on tournament data and coach interviews. Final squad selections and playing XI decisions remain subject to team management approvals and official announcements.
