Tejasvi Singh, also known as Tejasvi Dahiya in domestic cricket, is a 23-year-old uncapped Indian wicketkeeper-batter from Delhi who earned his maiden IPL contract after being bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 3 crore at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. He entered the auction with a base price of Rs 30 lakh, and KKR’s bid underlined their belief in his explosive batting potential.
A rising finisher from Delhi cricket
Representing the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), Tejasvi has built a reputation as a fearless middle-order batter capable of changing games rapidly. His aggressive strokeplay and ability to clear the ropes consistently have earned him the nickname “Delhi ka de Villiers”, a reference to his unorthodox shot-making and power-hitting in pressure situations.
Alongside his batting, Tejasvi is a competent wicketkeeper, making him a valuable dual-skill option in T20 cricket—especially for franchises looking to strengthen their Indian core.
Domestic performances that caught IPL attention
Tejasvi first grabbed national attention with a stunning List A debut in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he smashed 114 off 78 balls at No. 5 against Tripura. The innings showcased his ability to counter both pace and spin while batting in the middle order.
He further elevated his profile during the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025, playing for South Delhi Superstarz. In just 10 matches, Tejasvi scored 339 runs at an average of 48.43 and an astonishing strike rate of 190.45, while hammering 29 sixes. His consistency and six-hitting ability made him one of the standout performers of the tournament.
IPL 2026 auction journey
Tejasvi entered the IPL 2026 mini-auction as one of the more exciting uncapped wicketkeeper-batters in the pool. While several franchises monitored his progress, Kolkata Knight Riders moved decisively, securing him for Rs 3 crore and adding another explosive Indian batter to their squad.
The signing aligns with KKR’s recent focus on backing young Indian power-hitters who can slot into flexible batting roles.
What Tejasvi brings to KKR
For KKR, Tejasvi Singh offers:
- An uncapped Indian wicketkeeper-batter
- Proven six-hitting ability in T20 cricket
- Experience batting in the middle order
- High upside at a relatively controlled price point
IPL 2026 will mark his first season in the league, and while opportunities may come gradually, Tejasvi enters the tournament with strong domestic momentum.
As the season approaches, he will be one of the young Indian wicketkeeper-batters to watch, carrying expectations of translating domestic fireworks into IPL impact for Kolkata Knight Riders.