Virat Kohli's nephew Aaryaveer signs with Delhi Kings

Virat Kohli's nephew, Aryaveer Kohli, has found a new team ahead of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 season. The 16-year-old batter was picked by Central Delhi Kings during the league's auction held on Wednesday, July 1.

Aryaveer entered the auction with a base price of ₹1 lakh in Category C. Central Delhi Kings secured his services for ₹1.2 lakh, making him one of the young players to watch in the upcoming season. He was part of South Delhi Superstars last year.

Although Aryaveer did not play a single match in the previous DPL season, the move gives him another chance to showcase his talent in one of Delhi's biggest domestic T20 tournaments. The young batter will now look to make an impact for his new franchise in the third edition of the league.

Who is Aaryaveer Kohli? Meet Virat Kohli's 16-year-old leg-spinner nephew

Aaryaveer Kohli is the 16-year-old nephew of Indian cricket star Virat Kohli. He is the son of Virat's elder brother, Vikas Kohli, and has recently attracted attention after joining Central Delhi Kings for the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026. As a member of one of India's most well-known cricketing families, Aaryaveer is now beginning to make a name for himself.

Unlike his famous uncle, who is regarded as one of the world's best batters, Aaryaveer has chosen a different role on the field. He is a leg-spinner and is working hard to build his career as a bowler. He trains under Rajkumar Sharma at the West Delhi Cricket Academy—the same coach who guided Virat Kohli during the early years of his cricket journey.

Aaryaveer is balancing his education with his cricket career while continuing to develop his game. His father, Vikas Kohli, is a successful businessman who manages Virat Kohli's One8 brand. With a place in the Delhi Premier League and growing attention around his talent, Aaryaveer will now hope to make an impression and build his own identity in cricket.

Inside the DPL 2026 auction: How Central Delhi Kings landed Aaryaveer Kohli

Aaryaveer Kohli entered the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 auction with a base price of ₹1 lakh in the Category C pool. Central Delhi Kings showed faith in the young leg-spinner and signed him for ₹1.2 lakh, giving him a new opportunity ahead of the upcoming season.

The deal marked a slight increase from last year, when South Delhi Superstars picked him up for his base price of ₹1 lakh. Category C is the entry-level auction pool and includes players registered with the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA). Despite being at the start of his cricket journey, Aaryaveer has once again earned the trust of a DPL franchise.

This season will be especially important for the 16-year-old, who did not feature in a single match for South Delhi Superstars during the previous edition. After changing teams, Aaryaveer will now be hoping to get regular game time and showcase his talent in one of Delhi's biggest domestic T20 tournaments.

However, breaking into the Central Delhi Kings playing XI will not be easy. The franchise retained nine players before the auction, including India U-19 World Cup-winning captain Yash Dhull. With experienced players such as Mani Grewal, Jonty Sidhu, Yugal Saini, Aditya Bhandari, Siddharth Joon, Gavnish Khurana, Jasvir Sehrawat and Tejas Baroka already in the squad, Aaryaveer will have to impress to earn his place.

From West Delhi Academy to DPL: Aaryaveer's cricket journey under Raj Kumar Sharma

Aaryaveer Kohli is taking his first steps in cricket under the guidance of Raj Kumar Sharma at the West Delhi Cricket Academy. The academy is well known for producing Indian batting star Virat Kohli, who also trained there during his early years.

Unlike his uncle, who built his career as a batter, Aaryaveer has chosen to become a leg-spinner. The 16-year-old is working hard on his bowling while balancing his studies. His focus is on improving his skills and making steady progress in the game.

His selection by Central Delhi Kings for the Delhi Premier League 2026 is another important step in his cricket journey. After missing out on playing time last season, Aaryaveer will now hope to make his debut and prove his talent under the guidance of his coaches and new franchise.