The IPL mini-auction 2024 threw up many surprises, but few stories were as striking as Tejasvi Dahiya’s ₹3 crore deal with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). From a base price of just ₹30 lakh to a 10x jump, Dahiya’s rise was not overnight, it was built quietly, away from the spotlight.
Before the mini auction, Tejasvi Dahiya was not a household name. However, insiders were already taking notice. Seven IPL franchises invited him for trials, signalling growing interest. When the hammer finally fell, it was KKR who showed faith, backing the young batter with a massive bid.
What makes the story more compelling is where it began.
Just a year earlier, Tejasvi Dahiya went unsold at the IPL mega auction. There was no buzz, no demand, and very little belief. For many players, that moment often marks the end of IPL dreams. For Dahiya, it became the turning point.
Instead of fading away, he stepped into silence. Dahiya joined coach Sanjay Bharadwaj’s camp in Bhopal, a no-distraction setup where even phones were not allowed. The focus was simple: fitness, discipline, and relentless work. No social media noise. Just cricket.
The results were explosive.
In the Delhi Premier League (DPL), playing for the South Delhi Superstars, Dahiya delivered a breakout performance. He scored 339 runs, smashed 29 sixes, and maintained a strike rate of over 190. The highlight was a 12-ball half-century, an innings that immediately put him on every IPL scout’s radar.
He followed it up with another statement in a local Delhi tournament, where he hit 6 sixes in 6 balls, stunning crowds and opposition alike.
Even with limited opportunities in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Dahiya made his presence felt. In four innings, he scored 113 runs at an average of 56 and a strike rate of 169, underlining his impact potential.
Importantly for KKR, Tejasvi Dahiya is also a wicketkeeping option, offering flexibility alongside overseas players like Finn Allen and Tim Seifert. Tejasvi Dahiya didn’t just earn an IPL contract.
He forced the IPL to look at him.
And now, with KKR backing him at ₹3 crore, the real test begins.
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