Tejasvi Dahiya

Tejasvi Singh Dahiya is a 23-year-old explosive wicketkeeper-batter from Delhi who became a standout pick for Kolkata Knight Riders at the IPL 2026 auction. After the heartbreak of going unsold in 2025, Dahiya underwent a rigorous 'gurukul-style' training regime under coach Sanjay Bharadwaj, the same mentor who shaped Gautam Gambhir. His resilience paid off as KKR secured him for ₹3 crore, a ten-fold increase from his base price. Known for his 'jigra' (courage) and fearless intent, Dahiya shot to fame in the Delhi Premier League (DPL), where he finished as one of the leading run-scorers and the second-highest six-hitter, amassing 339 runs at a staggering strike rate of 190.44.

A versatile right-handed batter, Dahiya holds the record for the fastest half-century in DPL history, reaching the milestone in just 12 balls. His domestic credentials include a spectacular unbeaten 114 on his List A debut and a blistering 53 off 19 balls* against Karnataka in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, showcasing his ability to finish high-pressure chases. Often compared to global power-hitters for his clean lofted shots, he brings a '360-degree' game and vocal leadership behind the stumps to the KKR squad. As he enters his maiden IPL season, Dahiya is widely tipped to be the 'X-factor' finisher the Knight Riders need to bolster their middle order under the lights of Eden Gardens.