Like in any field, sports also has a process of inheritance when it comes to legendary players but the script doesn't always have a fairytale flow to it. Sunil Gavaskar's son Rohan never made it big in international cricket while Sachin Tendulkar's son Arjun is yet to really break through the ranks in domestic cricket although he does have age on his side. Coming to the modern era of superstars, Virat Kohli might be nearing the end of his professional career but his family tree is set to push another talent towards the big stage.
Virat's 15-year-old nephew Aryaveer is set to make his debut in the Delhi Premier League this season after being picked by South Delhi Superstarz. The franchise is being led by IPL star Ayush Badoni who has been a mainstay for Delhi cricket in recent years. However, Aryaveer, picked at the auctions for a price of ₹1 lakh, is not a specialist batter like his famous uncle. Instead, he plies his trade as a right-arm leg spinner with the great late Shane Warne as his idol for wrist spin bowling. Like Virat, Aryaveer has also been fundamentally coached by Rajkumar Sharma at the West Delhi Cricket Academy. Former India spinner Sarandeep Singh is the head coach of South Delhi Superstarz.
In his DPL franchise, Aryaveer has been closely monitored by another IPL sensation Digvesh Rathi who grabbed headlines this year with his wicket-taking prowess and famous notebook celebrations after dismissing batters. Understandably, the limelight is on Aryaveer even before he has even created an impression but that is the perks of being related to a cricketing legend. The teenager, however, is unfazed by the expectations and hopes to enjoy himself in the tournament.
“I don’t think much about it,” said Aryaveer in an interview with CNN-News18 Cricketnext.
“I mean, I have come to play, and that is what I think about. There is a lot of excitement. It is a big platform. It will be fun. The atmosphere in the dressing room is very chill. The preparations are going well. Sarandeep sir has been helping me a lot from the first day itself to improve my bowling. I will definitely try to give my best.”
Sarandeep also echoed the rookie's words and backed Aryaveer to come good with the talent at his disposal.
“I’m working with Aryaveer, but I don’t think about his surname. He’s a nice boy, training really hard in the nets and trying to give his best all the time. In fact, he comes to training before time. So, I think that gene has been inherited,” said Sarandeep.
“But as of now, he is very young but focused on his game. Whenever his time comes, he will definitely perform well and do his best.”