IPL is the number one T20 league on the planet, and it is dream of every almost cricketer to earn an IPL contract. The competition level and the income from the IPL is unmatched, which is why IPL has become the most valuable cricket league on the planet. Indian players form the majority of the Indian squads.
Out of the 25 maximum spots available in an IPL squad, the franchises can have maximum eight overseas players. Even in the playing XI, there need to be at least seven Indian players. So, Indian players get more chances in the IPL. Sometimes, the relatives of famous Indian players also got an IPL deal after some fantastic performances in domestic cricket.
Here’s a look at the five Indian cricketers whose relatives have bagged IPL contract.
5. Venugopal Rao’s brother – Gnaneswara Rao
Venugopal Rao is a former Indian all-rounder who played 16 ODI matches for the Indian cricket team in his career. Venugopal was a part of multiple franchises in the IPL.
He played for the Deccan Chargers, the Delhi Daredevils, and the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Venugopal’s brother Gnaneswara Rao featured in the fourth IPL season. Gnaneswara earned his maiden IPL contract from the Kochi Tuskers Kerala. He scored 19 runs in the two IPL games he played.
4. Sachin Tendulkar’s son – Arjun Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar holds many international cricket records to his name. He has the highest aggregate in Tests and ODIs. Besides, he has also won the Orange Cap and the Most Valuable Player of the Season award in the IPL.
Sachin’s son Arjun Tendulkar will likely make his IPL debut soon. Arjun got a contract worth INR 20 lakh from the Mumbai Indians at IPL Auction 2021. Arjun is a left-arm fast bowler who can also hit some big shots.
3. Virender Sehwag’s nephew – Mayank Dagar
Virender Sehwag was Sachin Tendulkar’s opening partner during their prime. The two openers played a vital role in the Indian cricket team’s historic Cricket World Cup win on home soil in 2011.
Sehwag has retired from all formats of cricket now. He has tried his hand in commentary and coaching. From his family, Sehwag’s nephew Mayank Dagar could become the next top gun in Indian cricket. Dagar is one of the fittest players. The left-arm spinner has been a part of the Kings XI Punjab before.
2. K Srikkanth’s son – Anirudha Srikkanth
K Srikkanth was one of the top Indian batsmen of his era. After retirement, Kris Srikkanth tried his hand at coaching and had stints with multiple IPL franchises.
Srikkanth’s son Anirudha was a part of the Chennai Super Kings squad during the initial IPL seasons. Many CSK fans would remember how Srikkanth helped the Chennai-based franchise win their tournament opener against the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2011. Anirudha also earned a deal from the Sunrisers Hyderabad later.
1. Venkatraman Sivaramakrishnan’s son – Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan
Another entry from the Chennai Super Kings squad on this list is Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan, who was a part of the CSK team in IPL 2008. He played nine matches for the team in the inaugural IPL season.
Vidyut began his IPL career in style with half-century on debut against the Delhi Daredevils. However, some inconsistent performances after that led to his exit from the franchise. Vidyut is the son of former Tamil Nadu batsman Venkatraman Sivaramakrishnan.
