It doesn’t come as a surprise at all when a Delhi-born cricketer’s inspiration is Virat Kohli. After all, he is a tailor-made role model, having won everything there is to win in the umbrella of cricket. He is a true inspiration when it comes to motivating a shift in mindset and physical fitness. One of the many talents who has been inspired by the legendary figure is Arnav Bugga. The stylish left-hander is just 17 years old, making waves at the Delhi Premier League (DPL).

A gem in the making at DPL 2025?

While it may be too early to say, but Arnav Bugga is one talent you need to keep an eye on. DPL has provided a perfect platform for players to showcase their crazy talent which has gone on to have changed their careers. Priyansh Arya, case in point, is now a regular after his indisputable showing at DPL 2024, following which he was bagged by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025.

Now, the second season of DPL has begun and with two new teams in the mix, more players are bound to come to the forefront with their talents. Arnav Bugga, who is now with the North Delhi Strikers, has made an instant impact. Bugga, who played the inaugural season lower down the order, came to bat at number three. After NDS lost an early wicket, Bugga came in and looked in sublime touch from the word go.

Belying his age were his shots. Bugga, against the steaming pace of Simarjeet Singh and Money Grewal, stood tall and hammered in front of the wicket. His strike rate against each of the six bowlers he faced was over 100. Even his senior partner, Sarthak Ranjan, who clubbed 82, admitted that he wanted to give Bugga the strike, as the southpaw was hitting the deliveries quite cleanly. Bugga struck runs at 155.81, hammering down 67 in 43.

Backed by Harshit Rana, inspired by Kohli

The 17-year-old, who is even selected in India’s under-19 team for the tour of Australia later this year (as stand-by), admitted that his role model is none other than Virat Kohli. He even touched upon how superbly Harshit Rana has backed him. While Bugga was used sporadically by Purani Dilli 6 last year, Rana has backed him instantly and has reaped investments.

“It doesn’t matter if I am 17. Just like every player, everyone is playing in the same league, that is, the Delhi Premier League. So age isn’t that big a factor,” Bugga told InsideSport after Central Delhi Kings beat North Delhi in the second match of DPL 2025. “My role model is Virat Kohli. I started playing when I was six. I have been aggressive from the start. Whenever I feel there’s a ball needed to be hit, I will strike it.

“Harshit Rana has given me enough confidence. Ever since the practice, bhaiya (Harshit Rana) has shown tremendous support to us. He never let us feel that he is playing at the international level. He was quite familiar with us and made us feel comfortable.“

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