I don’t want to limit myself to a specific role: Tejasvi Dahiya

Tejasvi Dahiya, the 24-year-old Delhi wicket-keeper-batter, has expressed his determination to expand beyond a single playing role as he continues his cricket journey. Born on April 18, 2002, Dahiya has emerged as a dynamic talent in Indian domestic cricket, combining aggressive batting with wicket-keeping duties.

Dahiya’s recent performances have caught attention across multiple formats. In the Delhi Premier League 2025, he had accumulated 339 runs across 10 innings at a strike rate of 190.44, establishing himself as the tournament’s leading six-hitter with 29 sixes. His aggressive approach was on display during the DPL third edition, where he played an unbeaten 60 off 29 balls against New Delhi Tigers on Saturday, August 15. Dahiya was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 3.00 crore in the IPL 2026 auction on December 16, 2025, after entering with a base price of 30 lakh. He made his IPL debut as a concussion substitute for Angkrish Raghuvanshi during KKR’s match against Mumbai Indians at Eden Gardens.

“Getting to play in the IPL was motivating. I didn’t get to play much, but luckily, I got a chance towards the end. Playing with some greats was very fruitful. There was a lot to learn. I hope to implement those lessons and get positive results,” Dahiya said in an interview with The Hindu.

Expanding beyond the power-hitter tag

Dahiya’s experience in the IPL, though limited to two games, has reinforced his belief that he possesses the skill set to succeed in multiple batting positions and situations. Rather than being confined to the finisher’s role or power-hitting scenarios, he views his versatility as a key strength moving forward in his career.

“I don’t want to limit myself to a specific role of being a power-hitter or finisher. Yes, these situations tend to be more tricky. I enjoy these situations. But I am not just that,” Dahiya said.

Handling pressure and pursuing growth

Dahiya’s perspective on handling pressure reflects his maturity as a young cricketer navigating the demands of high-level cricket. He views challenging situations not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth and development, emphasising his commitment to elevating his overall game.

“If you are feeling some pressure, you are lucky to face that. Everyone is not able to be in this situation. I feel privileged to be in these surroundings. I want to take my game to the next level rather than focusing on the pressure,” he added.