Anuj Rawat to captain Purani Dilli 6 in DPL Season 3 opener vs Central Delhi Kings
Synopsis
Purani Dilli 6, who finished last in DPL 2025, return with a revamped squad under wicketkeeper-captain Anuj Rawat. With U19 World Cup winner Udhav Mohan in the ranks and 15-plus practice sessions behind them, they face Central Delhi Kings on Friday in what is as much a redemption mission as a season opener.
Key Takeaways
Anuj Rawat will captain Purani Dilli 6 in DPL Season 3 , beginning Friday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium , New Delhi.
The franchise completed 15 to 16 practice sessions ahead of their opener against Central Delhi Kings .
Squad includes wrist-spinner Digvesh Rathi and pacer Udhav Mohan , a member of the India U19 World Cup-winning team of 2025.
Purani Dilli 6 finished at the bottom of the DPL points table in the 2025 season .
Owner Akash Nangia has backed the side to play 'fearless, competitive cricket' in the new edition.
Wicketkeeper-batter Anuj Rawat has been named captain of Purani Dilli 6 for the Delhi Premier League (DPL) Season 3, with the franchise set to open their campaign against Central Delhi Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, on Friday evening. Rawat says the squad has completed 15 to 16 practice sessions and is primed for a winning start.
Rawat's Message to the Dressing Room
'We have had around 15 to 16 practice sessions leading up to the tournament, and the intensity and commitment shown by every player has been outstanding,' Rawat said in a statement released by the franchise. 'It is a proud moment for me to lead Purani Dilli 6, and I am ready for the responsibility. We have a talented group with the right mix of experience and youth, and our focus is on playing positive cricket, giving our best in every game, and starting the tournament with a victory.'
Key Players in the Squad
The Purani Dilli 6 roster blends seasoned domestic performers with emerging talent. Notable inclusions are wrist-spinner Digvesh Rathi and young pacer Udhav Mohan, who was part of the India U19 World Cup-winning team earlier this year. The combination gives the side both spin variety and pace depth heading into the tournament.
Owner Backs the Side After 2025 Slump
Franchise owner Akash Nangia expressed full confidence in the squad, especially significant given that Purani Dilli 6 finished at the bottom of the points table in the 2025 DPL season. 'The wait is finally over, and everyone associated with Purani Dilli 6 is excited to get the season underway. We have worked hard over the past few weeks to build a strong and balanced squad, and the players have shown tremendous commitment during our preparations. Our goal is to play fearless, competitive cricket and make our supporters proud,' Nangia said.
What to Watch in the Opener
The DPL Season 3 curtain-raiser between Purani Dilli 6 and Central Delhi Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday is a statement match for both sides. For Purani Dilli 6, it is an early opportunity to shed the memory of a difficult 2025 campaign and signal a genuine title challenge. The presence of U19 World Cup winner Udhav Mohan will be closely watched as a gauge of emerging Delhi cricket talent at the franchise level.
Point of View
New captain, young talent injected. But the DPL's value as a development pipeline is best judged by what happens to players like Udhav Mohan after the tournament, not just during it. Rawat's appointment as captain is a calculated bet on leadership continuity, but the real test is whether the franchise has addressed the structural gaps — bowling depth, middle-order solidity — that left them at the foot of the table in 2025. One pre-season press statement cannot answer that; the Central Delhi Kings opener will begin to.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is captaining Purani Dilli 6 in DPL Season 3?
Wicketkeeper-batter Anuj Rawat has been named captain of Purani Dilli 6 for Delhi Premier League Season 3. He expressed pride at the responsibility and said the team's focus is on playing positive cricket.
When and where is the DPL Season 3 opening match?
The DPL Season 3 opener between Purani Dilli 6 and Central Delhi Kings is scheduled for Friday evening at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
How did Purani Dilli 6 perform in DPL 2025?
Purani Dilli 6 finished at the bottom of the points table in the 2025 DPL season. The franchise has since revamped its squad and preparation approach ahead of Season 3.
Who are the notable players in Purani Dilli 6's DPL Season 3 squad?
The squad features wrist-spinner Digvesh Rathi and young pacer Udhav Mohan, who was part of the India U19 World Cup-winning team earlier in 2025. Captain Anuj Rawat has described the group as having the right mix of experience and youth.
What has the Purani Dilli 6 owner said ahead of DPL Season 3?
Franchise owner Akash Nangia expressed full confidence in the squad's readiness after weeks of preparation, saying the team's goal is to play 'fearless, competitive cricket' and make supporters proud.
