Top 10 Youngest Players in IPL 2026

The Indian Premier League has always been a league that is the biggest platform for young cricketing talent. In fact, the ethos of the league has always been Yatra Avasara Prapnotihi (Sanskrit for Where Talent Meets Opportunity), meaning that the league has always strived to find the talent within the youngsters and give them a platform to showcase their skills at the highest level of franchise cricket. 

The list of the youngest players this year presents a mix of experienced and fresh talent. Some of these teenagers have already tasted the pressure and thrill of the IPL. On the other hand, a few of them will be featuring for the first time, carrying the weight of expectations that come with notable performances at the junior and domestic levels, and eventually attracted takers at the IPL 2026 Mini-Auction.

Let's see 10 youngest cricketers who will play in IPL 2026:

10. Lhuan-dre Pretorius — 19 Years & 270 Days

Another South African prodigy to feature among the youngest players in IPL 2026 will be Lhuan-dre Gilbert Pretorius, aged just 19 years and 270 days. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter finished as South Africa’s leading run-scorer at the 2023 Under-19 World Cup, a performance that fast-tracked his senior career.

His transition to top-level cricket saw him become the youngest South African to score a Test century on debut, smashing 153, and he has since represented the Proteas across formats. In franchise cricket, he impressed in the SA20 with Paarl Royals, scoring a 97 on debut, before earning retention with Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026. 

9. Kwena Maphaka — 19 Years & 258 Days

South African pacer, Kwena Tshegofatso Maphaka, aged 19 years and 258 days, is one of the brightest fast-bowling prospects in this year's IPL. Born in Johannesburg, Maphaka first caught attention at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, where he clinched 21 wickets at an average of 9.71 to earn the Player of the Tournament award. 

Notably, Maphaka played in the IPL even before making his senior international debut. The Mumbai Indians signed the then-17-year-old as an injury replacement for IPL 2024. Released ahead of the mega auction, he was picked up by the Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.5 crore in IPL 2025. By then, Maphaka had already debuted for South Africa across all three formats, including a Test debut against Pakistan in January 2025. Notably, he has been retained by them for this season.

8. Kartik Sharma — 19 Years & 202 Days

19 years and 202 days old, Kartik Sharma made headlines with his whopping INR 14.2 crore signing with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2026 auction. Hailing from Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Kartik grabbed eyeballs in the domestic circuit with his power-hitting, smashing 28 sixes in 11 T20 innings at a 162.92 strike rate. His performances in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy further witnessed his ability to dismantle both pace and spin.

CSK stunned the IPL auction by securing Kartik, making him the joint-most expensive uncapped Indian player alongside Prashant Veer. Head coach Stephen Fleming stated that Kartik represents a new generation of T20 babies, players who are fearless and perfectly suited to the modern fast-paced format. 

7. Yash Raj Punja — 19 Years 179 Days

At just 19 years and 179 days, Yash Raj Punja is set to become one of the youngest players in IPL 2026, joining the Rajasthan Royals as a leg-spinner. Born on June 26, 2006, in the UAE and raised partly in Bengaluru, Punja’s interest in cricket was inspired by his elder brother Yodhin, the UAE’s youngest international cricketer. Initially a fast bowler, Yash transitioned to leg-spin due to an action issue. The 6.5 feet tall, his height allows him to extract extra bounce. 

In the 2024 Maharaja KSCA T20 Trophy, representing Hubli Tigers, he was the second-highest wicket-taker with 23 wickets in 10 games at an average of 12.48. Having featured as a net bowler for the Rajasthan Royals, Yash will look to showcase his talent in the cash-rich league.

6. Kanishk Chouhan — 19 Years & 87 Days

Kanishk Chouhan, aged 19 years and 87 days, is one of the youngest all-rounders in IPL 2026. Born on September 26, 2006, in Rajasthan, Kanishk has impressed coaches and selectors with his ability to contribute both with the bat and ball. A right-hand batter and right-arm offbreak bowler, he has been an important member of India Under-19s and Haryana Under-19s.

His consistent performances at the youth level earned him a contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who picked him at his base price of INR 30 lakh.

5. Vihaan Malhotra  — 18 Years & 355 Days

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru added another young talent to their squad with the signing of Vihaan Malhotra at the IPL 2026 Auction. The 18-year-old, just days away from his 19th birthday, impressed scouts with his consistent performances for India Under-19s and Punjab’s youth teams.

The left-handed top-order batter and handy right-arm offbreak bowler, recently displayed his brillaince in the U19 Asia Cup semi-final against Sri Lanka, scoring a 61 off 45 balls to guide India to a comfortable victory. He is also part of the leadership group as deputy to skipper Ayush Mhatre. Hailing from Patiala, Malhotra made headlines during India’s tour of England, scoring 243 Youth ODI runs and 277 in Youth Tests.

4. Satvik Deswal  — 18 Years & 274 Days

Royal Challengers Bengaluru picked left-arm wrist spinner Satvik Deswal in the IPL 2026 Auction. At just 18 years and 274 days, Deswal was picked for his base price of INR 30 lakh, fulfilling RCB’s need for a backup spinner behind Suyash Sharma.

Deswal grabbed eyeballs with his brilliant performance in the Pondicherry Premier League T20, claiming 14 wickets in 10 matches and finishing as the only bowler with an economy under six runs per over. Having been a net bowler and intern with RCB for the past few seasons, he was on the team's radar. RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, stated Deswal’s potential and character, calling him a player with X-factor who can step up when needed. Head coach Andy Flower also praised the recruit.

3. Sahil Parakh — 18 Years & 198 Days

Eighteen years and 198 days old, Sahil Parakh has been picked by the Delhi Capitals for a base price of INR 30 lakh. The Nashik-born grabbed attention at the Under-19 level, most notably with an unbeaten 109 against Australia Under-19s.

His performances in the Maharashtra Premier League saw him score 202 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of over 177 and play a crucial role in Eagle Nashik Titans’ title win. Although his senior T20 debut for Maharashtra in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy brought decent returns, Delhi Capitals have backed him and added to their roster for 2026.

2. Ayush Mhatre — 18 Years & 159 Days

Over the past year, Ayush Mhatre has been making headlines with his performances. At just 18 years and 159 days, the Mumbai batter is now the second-youngest player set to feature in IPL 2026. Last year, he scored his maiden first-class century for Mumbai, followed by a 181 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which made him the youngest player to score 150-plus in List A cricket.

Though he went unsold initially, the Chennai Super Kings handed him a late IPL debut in 2025. Mhatre featured in seven games, scoring 240 runs, with the best of 94. He has also carried responsibility, leading India’s Under-19 team, and recently guided the team to the finals of the U19 Asia Cup.

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi — 14 Years & 232 Days

At just 14 years and 232 days, Vaibhav Suryavanshi is set to become the youngest player to feature in IPL 2026. The left-handed prodigy made headlines last season with unforgettable heroics for the Rajasthan Royals, becoming the youngest-ever centurion in men’s T20 cricket with a 101 off 38 balls. His aggressive batting and record-breaking strike rate made him one of IPL 2025’s biggest talking points.

Suryavanshi has carried that momentum throughout the year, delivering consistent performances across domestic cricket and India Under-19 assignments. From centuries in youth internationals to match-winning knocks in high-pressure games. He was retained by RR ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction and is set to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the next edition of the cash-rich league.