The Delhi Premier League (DPL) has quickly become one of the most talked-about cricket tournaments in India, and many believe it has the potential to grow into something even bigger.
After the conclusion of the DPL 2025, former Indian spinner Maninder Singh made a special appeal to the Indian cricket superstars, including Virat Kohli.
Maninder Singh urged the Delhi legends like Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan to get involved in the tournament in any capacity. He feels their presence would add massive value; the players will get a lot of benefit and motivation, and the league will get stronger.
Maninder Singh pushes for Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan to lift Delhi Premier League’s stature
The former Indian cricketer also pointed out that stars like Rishabh Pant, who represented Purani Dilli 6 in the first season but injury ruled him out of this season, and Ishant Sharma, who plays for West Delhi Lions, can make a huge difference if they feature more prominently in the DPL.
The former Indian spinner, who scalped 154 wickets in his international career, has stressed that Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virender Sehwag’s involvement wouldn’t just lift the competition’s standard but would also inspire young players who dream of following in their footsteps.
Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan should play in DPL: Maninder Singh
Maninder Singh was quoted as saying by ANI: “If someone has played international cricket, and they are associated with the league, with their state’s league, which they should do, then obviously, they will be stronger. There is no doubt about it.
Because, you know, Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan are our heroes. Talking about Rishabh Pant, they are our heroes. So, when that example comes in front of the kids, that I also want to become like him, when they see him, I feel that is very important.”
The commentator also recalled his own early days, where he shared dressing rooms in Delhi’s domestic cricket with giants like Bishan Singh Bedi, Madan Lal, Mohinder Amarnath, Surinder Khanna, Kirti Azad, and Rakesh Shukla. At that time, he felt that just being around such big names instilled confidence in breaking into the Indian cricket team, and he lived his dream.
Maninder Singh urges Delhi cricket legends to inspire the next generation through DPL
Maninder feels the same effect could be recreated for Delhi’s budding cricketers if modern-day heroes like Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, and Virender Sehwag get connected with the Delhi Premier League. Notably, Kohli is now only active in the ODI cricket.
He signed off by saying, “It is very important for you to have those heroes. And they will connect with the league, those big names whose names you have mentioned. So, I feel it will have an impact on the kids’ mental strength and on their thinking. Because when you think big, when you dream big, then only you will be able to fulfill it.”
Notably, West Delhi Lions clinched the DPL 2025 title in style. Central Delhi Kings posted 173/7 after fifties from Yugal Saini and Pranshu Vijayran. Chasing the target, West Delhi stumbled early, but skipper Nitish Rana’s 79* and Hritik Shokeen’s 42 powered them to victory with six wickets and two overs to spare at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.