Top 5 players making their IPL debut in 2026

Every year, the Indian Premier League (IPL) sees many players play in the tournament for the first time in their careers. Some of these players have an excellent debut campaign; they become an integral member of their respective sides whilst seeing their name enter the IPL folklore. 

In the past, there have been many players who have had an outstanding debut campaign. These include the likes of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for Rajasthan Royals in 2025, Ravindra Jadeja back in the inaugural season of 2008 and Rashid Khan for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2017. A lot of players competing at the 2026 IPL have a chance to replicate some of these iconic names.

Here are 5 players who are playing in their first season in the IPL

5. Ben Duckett – Delhi Capitals

It comes as a bit of a surprise that one of England’s best all-format opening batters in recent times has not featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) before. Ben Duckett, however, is now finally poised to make his debut in the biggest franchise league where he will represent the Delhi Capitals (DC).

DC signed Duckett in the mini auction at his base price for INR 2 crore. The left-handed batter was part of the England squad in the recently concluded 2026 T20 World Cup. However, he did not feature in a single game. 

Duckett, however, has played 217 T20 games in his professional career and would be a great asset for the DC side as an hard-hitting opener who can also take the gloves should it be required.

4. Jacob Duffy – Royal Challengers Bengaluru 

Jacob Duffy was signed by the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at his base price of INR 2 crore. The New Zealand fast bowler comes into the tournament on the back of some impressive displays for his national side. 

Duffy picked up a total of 35 wickets during 2025 and bowled at an economy of 7.47. A tall fast bowler, the 31-year-old will be a great replacement for Josh Hazlewood, who has a tendency to pick up an injury. 

Duffy’s only experience of playing in franchise cricket was during the 2025 Hundred season. He has, however, featured in the Vitality Blast for Worcestershire, where he took 10 wickets from eight outings last year.

3. Prashant Veer – Chennai Super Kings

Prashant Veer will feature in his first Indian Premier League (IPL) season with a huge burden of expectations. Due to a massive bidding war between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the 20-year-old was signed by the latter for a whopping INR 14.20 crore. 

Veer, however, comes in with a lot of pedigree. Announcing himself in the Uttar Pradesh Premier League, the all-rounder played seven games in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for his state, taking nine wickets at an economy of 6.76. He is also decent with the bat and can score at a strike rate of near 170.

With Ravindra Jadeja traded to the Rajasthan Royals, Veer has a chance to establish himself in the great all-rounder’s shoes in his debut campaign.

2. Auqib Nabi Dar – Delhi Capitals 

Following his exploits for Jammu & Kashmir in the domestic circuit, the entire cricketing fraternity in India seems to be waiting for Auqib Nabi Dar’s debut in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).

Signed by the Delhi Capitals (DC) for INR 8.40 crore, Nabi Dar comes into his maiden season on the back of becoming a Ranji Trophy champion whilst being J&K’s leading wicket-taker with 60 scalps. He also took 15 wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Nabi Dar could become a household name in the country should he bring his domestic form into the IPL in his debut campaign.

1. Kartik Sharma – Chennai Super Kings

Another entry from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad and yet another uncapped debutant they have spent INR 14.20 crore on. Kartik Sharma represented Rajasthan in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 133 runs whilst striking at nearly 160.

Kartik joins a host of young and talented batters in the CSK squad. These include the likes of Dewald Brevis and Ayush Mhatre. The right-handed batter would fit right into the Chennai-based side’s new philosophy on trusting young players, having previously always played with experienced stars who were nearing the end of their careers.