Tejasvi Singh Dahiya: Maths Teacher's Son, Jungle Training, IPL Six-Hitting Star

After going unsold at the previous IPL auction, Delhi batter Tejasvi Singh Dahiya transformed his game through an intense, gurukul-style training camp in Bhopal. The son of two schoolteachers, Dahiya now has a ₹3 crore contract with KKR, presenting him with the opportunity to convert his dedication and six-hitting talent into IPL success.

Dahiya faced disappointment when he was passed over at last year's IPL auction. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. coach Sanjay Bharadwaj, a respected figure in domestic cricket who has mentored players like Gautam Gambhir and Amit Mishra, contacted him. Bharadwaj instructed Dahiya to come to Bhopal, where he runs a unique coaching center in a forest setting.

"I was really unhappy after going unsold. When my name was called in the accelerated round, I felt hopeful. But when nobody bid for me, I was crushed," Dahiya revealed in an interview with TimesofIndia.com. Adapting to the Bhopal training was challenging. "Bharadwaj sir even takes our phones away. We only get them for one hour to speak with our parents," he said. The 23-year-old added, "If you want to achieve something, you have to make sacrifices. That's what I believe."

Dahiya, who gained recognition in the Delhi Premier League (DPL), was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹3 crore – a significant increase from his base price of ₹30 lakh. Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Rajasthan Royals all competed to sign the Delhi wicketkeeper-batter.

Dahiya stated, "I want to repeat what Gauti (Gautam Gambhir) did with KKR." In the DPL, Dahiya was the leading six-hitter, smashing 29 sixes and scoring 339 runs with a strike rate of 190.44.

Bharadwaj noted, "He has an aggressive mindset. He's always been like that. He and Priyansh (Arya) would have six-hitting contests at the LB Shastri Academy." The coach added, "When I first saw him bat, I knew he was special. I realised I had found a diamond. I made him captain of LB Shastri at 16. He's mature and understands the game well because he's a wicketkeeper."

Dahiya's path wasn't without challenges. His parents are both teachers; his father, Ravindra Singh Dahiya, teaches maths, and his mother, Babita Dahiya, teaches economics. Dahiya said, "Neither my parents nor I can believe it."

He also revealed, "Except for Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants, I trialed with all the other teams. But I was unsure because of what happened last year."

Growing up, Dahiya admired Virender Sehwag, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli. "I loved Viru sir's attacking style, MS's six-hitting and keeping, and Virat bhai's discipline," he said. Dahiya is eager to play in the IPL and demonstrate his abilities. "I am from Delhi, and we play with full intensity," Dahiya said.

Bharadwaj expressed his excitement for Dahiya but cautioned him against reckless shots early in his innings. "Kids these days go for a first-ball six – there's a bravado I don't like. I think he can have a good season and might end up playing all the matches, but he needs to make it count," Bharadwaj stated.