IPL 2026: 5 Young Players to Watch – Rising Stars to Follow

The Indian Premier League has always been a stage for young talent to shine, with many players earning national call-ups after standout performances. Stars like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya first caught the eye in the IPL before becoming mainstays for India. Similarly, the 19th edition of the IPL features several young talents who could make a mark and secure their place in the national setup.

Here are five young players to watch in IPL 2026:

Vaibhav Suryavanshi (14 Years)

At just 14 years old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest ever centurion in men’s T20 cricket, scoring 101 off 38 balls for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in Jaipur during IPL 2025. His hundred, achieved in 35 deliveries, was the second-fastest in IPL history.

He first made headlines when RR bought him at age 13 for INR 1.1 crore, making him the youngest player ever to secure an IPL deal. In seven games in IPL 2025, he scored 252 runs at a strike rate of 206.55.

Kartik Sharma (19 Years)

Kartik Sharma was acquired by Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2026 auction for a whopping INR 14.2 crore. The 19-year-old recently represented Rajasthan in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and first rose to prominence with a century on debut in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy.

Kartik has played nine List A matches, scoring 445 runs and 334 runs in First-Class matches, with strike rates of 118.03 and 162.92 respectively.

Ayush Mhatre (18 Years)

Mumbai teen sensation Ayush Mhatre began playing cricket at age five and made his first-class debut at 17. In just his third game in the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy season, he scored his maiden century.

On December 31, 2024, he scored 181 off 117 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, becoming the youngest player to hit 150+ in a List A match. Unsold in IPL 2025, Mhatre received a mid-tournament call-up for CSK due to an injury to Ruturaj Gaikwad and made a memorable debut, scoring 32 off 15 balls.

Vihaan Malhotra (19 Years)

Vihaan Malhotra, a left-handed batter from Patiala, is the vice-captain of India’s Under-19 team. He has featured in multi-format youth tours in England and Australia, played in the U-19 Asia Cup in the UAE, and a 50-over triangular series at home.

Malhotra was one of the few U-19 players signed in the IPL 2026 auction before the World Cup, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru picking him at his base price of ₹30 Lakh.

Sahil Parakh (18 Years)

Emerging left-handed top-order batter Sahil Parakh has gained attention as an opener for India’s Under-19 team. He made his international youth debut in 2023 against Bangladesh and scored a match-winning 109 off 75 balls against Australia U-19 on September 22, 2024.

Parakh was signed by Delhi Capitals for IPL 2026 at INR 30 Lakh, adding depth to the franchise’s top order.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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