The excitement level was high during the auction of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025 season on July 6 as eight franchises built their teams for the 2025 DPL season with the Central Delhi Kings being among the most aggressive bidders. The Kings attracted the headlines when fast bowler Simarjeet Singh was signed for ₹39 lakh the highest price tagged on an auction item during this auction.

Each franchise was assigned a purse of ₹1.5 crore (which included retained players) and the Kings managed to create a well-balanced squad composed of IPL experience, established domestic players, and rising new talent. The Kings retained Jonty Sidhu for ₹10 lakh representing bat depth and reliable leadership within the middle-order. Overall, the Kings enhanced their auction strategy as opposed to drafting future individuals and or teammates; rather, they use retained players as the focus of the squad with solid, efficient contributions.

New Signings and Exciting Rising Player Additions For Central Delhi Kings

In addition to Simarjeet, the Kings also acquired Tejas Baroka, a new promising leg-spinner, for ₹19 lakh, and Money Grewal, a hard-hitting batting all-rounder, for ₹18 lakh. Another key hire was Yash Dhull, an ex-India U-19 captain who was acquired for ₹15 lakh and will be critical at the top of the order.

One of the most talked-about signings was Aaryavir Sehwag, son of Indian cricket legend Virender Sehwag, bought for ₹8 lakh. His inclusion brings excitement and curiosity to his development. Medium pacer Pranshu Vijayran (₹10.5 lakh) and batter Aryan Rana (₹5 lakh) added depth to the core lineup.

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The Kings also signed a host of youngsters in the ₹1–3 lakh range, including names like Aarnav Koul, Aditya Bhandari, and Siddharth Joon, showing a strong commitment to grooming local talent.

Full List of Central Delhi Kings Squad (DPL 2025):

Retained: Jonty Sidhu (₹10 Lakh)

Auction Buys: Simarjeet Singh (₹39 Lakh), Yash Dhull (₹15 Lakh), Pranshu Vijayran (₹10.50 Lakh), Money Grewal (₹18 Lakh), Aryan Rana (₹5 Lakh), Aarnav Koul (₹3 Lakh), Vivek Kumar Tiwari (₹3 Lakh), Aditya Bhandari (₹3 Lakh), Aaryavir Sehwag (₹8 Lakh), Yugal Saini (₹3.80 Lakh), Siddharth Joon (₹3 Lakh), Gavnish Khurana (₹1 Lakh), Jasvir Sehrawat (₹1 Lakh), Sampooran Tripathi (₹1 Lakh), Sumit Chhikara (₹1 Lakh), Nikhil Malik (₹1 Lakh), Harshit Sethi (₹1 Lakh), Arun Pundir (₹1 Lakh), Yamit Sehrawat (₹1 Lakh), Tejas Baroka (₹19 Lakh), Rishi Sharma (₹1 Lakh)

Digvesh Rathi, a fast-rising leg-spinner who has had nothing short of a spectacular rise, was at the center of Sunday's thrilling Delhi Premier League (DPL) headlines. Rathi was the second most expensive player in the tournament after being acquired by the Lucknow Super Giants for ₹30 lac in the IPL early this year and then selling for ₹38 lac.

The 22-year-old spinner was purchased by Delhi Superstarz, who look to improve their spin unit ahead of DPL Season 2. Rathi’s consistency and ability to thrive under pressure certainly led to plenty of franchises showing interest; however, it was Superstarz who were able to close the deal, which highlights the players' development in the past few months. 

Rathi’s journey is indicative of the domestic cricket landscape evolving in India, where local leagues like the DPL are bridging their players' development, opportunities to be noticed, and opportunities to be paid for their skills. The hike in auction price by Rathi from being valued at ₹30 lac in the best T20 league in the world compared to the regional tournament where he was worth ₹38 lac, indicates how highly he is rated across all formats.

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Digvesh Rathi's Development: the Rise from ₹30 Lakh in IPL to ₹38 Lakh in DPL

Simarjeet Singh, a right-arm fast bowler, was at the top of the leaderboard overall in a very good auction for franchises with a ₹39 lakh deal to Central Delhi Kings. Other feature prospects were Prince Yadav (₹33 lakh) and Nitish Rana (₹34 lakh). But Rathi's development milestone was particularly impressive, signaling the beginning of a new phase of his young spinner's life.

After making fantastic strides in the IPL season with his variations, control, and temperament, Digvesh is now in a great position to be a major performance piece of the Delhi Superstarz's campaign. His valuation is more than just numerically important; it reflects how much higher franchises are starting to trust in high-ceiling, domestic talent.

In earning a valuation of ₹38 lakh in DPL, up from ₹30 lakh in IPL, Digvesh Rathi's development can be interpreted as a reflection of consistency, promise, and the growing opportunities in India's domestic T20 ecosystem.

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will be one of the biggest names at the Delhi Premier League (DPL) Season 2 auction, set to take place on July 6 and 7 in New Delhi. The auction will feature over 10 well-known IPL players, including Ishant Sharma, Ayush Badoni, Harshit Rana, and Anuj Rawat.

Pant will face strong competition from young stars like Priyansh Arya and Digvesh Rathi, both of whom first impressed during DPL Season 1 and later went on to shine in the IPL.

Two New Teams Join the League

The DPL is also growing this year, with the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) announcing two new men’s franchises. The Outer Delhi team was picked up for ₹10.6 crore by Savita Paints Private Limited, while the New Delhi team was bought for ₹9.2 crore by a joint bid from Bheema Tolling and Crayon Advertising.

With these additions, the number of men’s teams in the league has increased from six to eight. The new teams will join existing sides:

• Central Delhi Kings
• East Delhi Riders
• North Delhi Strikers
• Purani Dilli 6
• South Delhi Superstarz
• West Delhi Lions

Auction Dates and Key Players

• Men’s auction: July 6
• Women’s auction: July 7

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Apart from Pant, several IPL and domestic stars are set to go under the hammer: Ishant Sharma, Ayush Badoni, Harshit Rana, Anuj Rawat, Simarjeet Singh, Himmat Singh, Suyash Sharma, Mayank Yadav, Lalit Yadav, Yash Dhull, Nitish Rana, Hrithik Shokeen, Prince Yadav, and more.

DDCA President Rohan Jaitley said, “The Delhi Premier League is more than just a tournament, it’s a celebration of Delhi’s cricketing culture. With the new teams and returning stars, Season 2 promises to be even bigger.”

Women’s Cricket Takes Centre Stage in DPL Season 2

DDCA has also kept a strong focus on women’s cricket. Vice-President Shikha Kumar said the women’s league is growing and will continue to get equal attention and support. “We want girls across Delhi to see cricket as their game played on equal terms and celebrated just as loudly,” she said.

All matches of Season 2 will be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The full match schedule will be announced after the player auctions. With top players, two new teams, and strong backing for women’s cricket, DPL Season 2 is shaping up to be a special one for fans and players alike.

Some familiar surnames are set to grab attention at the upcoming Delhi Premier League (DPL) auction on July 5. One of the young cricketers that is going to be auctioned is Aaryaveer Kohli, the 15 years old son of Vikas Kohli, who’s the eldest brother of Virat Kohli. Aaryaveer, a leg-spinner, is slotted in Category C and was a registered player for Delhi Under-16s last season. He currently trains under Raj Kumar Sharma, who also coached Virat Kohli during his formative years.

Another name drawing interest is Aaryavir Sehwag, the 17-year-old son of former Indian opener Virender Sehwag. Aaryavir has already made an impact at the Under-19 level, including a massive 297-run knock against Meghalaya. He features in Category B of the DPL auction. Joining him in the same category is his 15-year-old younger brother, Vedant Sehwag, an off-spinner who has represented Delhi Under-16s.

The 2024 season of the DPL included teams such as the South Delhi Superstarz, East Delhi Riders, Central Delhi Kings, North Delhi Strikers, West Delhi Lions, and Purani Dilli 6. With the addition of the Outer Delhi and New Delhi teams entering the league for the 2025 season, the league has expanded in both region and competition.

High-Stakes Cricket and Rising Talents in the DPL

The DPL has already seen notable cricketers like Ayush Badoni, Anuj Rawat, Ishant Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Harshit Rana, and Suyash Sharma participate in 2024. In a dramatic final, East Delhi Riders edged past South Delhi Superstarz by three runs to win the inaugural title in New Delhi. Mayank Rawat’s unbeaten 78 off 39 balls powered East Delhi to 183/5 with a late onslaught that included seven fours and six sixes.

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Simarjeet Singh and Raunak Waghela each picked up three wickets to restrict the opposition in a tense chase. The Superstarz faltered early, losing key batters Priyansh Arya (6 off 2) and Ayush Badoni (7 off 5) to Bhagwan Singh and Simarjeet, which derailed their pursuit despite being in touch with the required run rate.