{"id":"f-ad3a1c0981-4d78bb36-d934-5182-8fd0-dbc91d2b827b","title":"IPL 2026: 10 Youngest Players in Action in Indian Premier League This Season - Full List, Key Names to Watch","description":"The IPL 2026 season promises an electrifying blend of established stars and explosive young talent, with franchises heavily investing in the next generation following the mini-auction. This year, the league showcases an unprecedented wave of teenagers and early-20s prospects, many making","timestamp":1773484200,"category":"sports","headline":"IPL 2026: 10 Youngest Players in Action in Indian Premier League This Season - Full List, Key Names to Watch","modifiedHeadline":"IPL 2026: 10 youngest players in IPL this season","subCategories":["scid_185ed133"],"subcategoriesName":["Cricket"],"region":"IN","bundleMetaData":{"bundleId":"6ff0e53c-03a9-4fac-a199-00040694f01a","bundleTitle":"Indian Cricket","cardData":null},"iabCategoryId":"491","iabCategoryName":"Cricket","fcSummary":"ipl 2026 is spotlighting a wave of young talent, including 14-year-old vaibhav sooryavanshi, the youngest-ever player. teams invested heavily, seeking future icons & all-round assets like kartik sharma. ayush mhatre, sahil parakh, & south african prospects kwena maphaka & lhuan-dre pretorius are also key players to watch. expect explosive cameos & a fresh dynamic in this season.","summary":"IPL 2026 features young talent! 14-yr-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi leads, with CSK & RR investing in rising stars. New era begins!","ctaUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/Sports/IN/en/mykhel-english/f-ad3a1c0981-4d78bb36-d934-5182-8fd0-dbc91d2b827b","sourceUrl":"https://www.mykhel.com/cricket/ipl-2026-10-youngest-players-in-action-in-indian-premier-league-this-season-full-list-key-names-418847.html","bannerImage":"https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/WmnrgwJNBuc0.webp","content":"

The IPL 2026 season promises an electrifying blend of established stars and explosive young talent, with franchises heavily investing in the next generation

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following the mini-auction.

This year, the league showcases an unprecedented wave of teenagers and early-20s prospects, many making their mark after standout domestic and junior performances. The focus on uncapped Indian players and international prodigies highlights the IPL's role as a launchpad for future icons.

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Leading the pack is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the youngest-ever IPL player at just 14 years old. His fearless batting, including a blistering T20 century and high strike rate in prior outings, has already turned heads. Expect him to provide explosive cameos and challenge age barriers.

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Ayush Mhatre brings aggressive middle-order flair, honed through Mumbai's domestic scene, complementing CSK's youth push alongside high-value uncapped picks like Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, both acquired for record sums as potential all-round assets. Delhi Capitals boast Sahil Parakh, a left-handed opener with senior debut promise from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, adding top-order dynamism.

South African talents shine too: Kwena Maphaka (19), the U19 World Cup star pacer with express pace and wicket-taking ability, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius (19), a dynamic left-handed wicketkeeper-batter who topped South Africa's U19 charts. CSK also paid a fortune for young Kartik Sharma, who was roped in for a mammoth Rs 14.2 crore in the auction.

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IPL 2026: Youngest Players to Keep an Eye On

As the IPL 2026 starts in a fortnight, here is a look at some of the youngest players to keep an eye on in this season.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is with Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026, bought for ₹1.10 crore in the auction in 2024. In IPL 2025, the 14-year-old was a sensation for the Royals. He played 7 matches for RR, scoring 252 runs off 122 balls at a strike rate of 206.56, with 1 century, which he scored against the Gujarat Titans. The Bihar-born youngster is the youngest player by far in the competition, at the age of just 14 years.

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Ayush Mhatre

Ayush Mhatre was retained by Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2026 at ₹30 lakh as an uncapped batter. In 7 IPL 2025 matches, he aggregated 240 runs off 127 balls at 188.98 SR (avg 34.29), including a high of 94, 1 fifty, 31 fours, and 11 sixes. His aggressive top-order play is a must-watch.

Kartik Sharma

Kartik Sharma joined Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2026 at ₹14.2 crore after a strong domestic show. The Rajasthan player is known for his hard-hitting abilities and is expected to be part of CSK's new exuberance of youth in the upcoming season.

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Vihaan Malhotra

Vihaan Malhotra was picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for IPL 2026 at ₹30 lakh, the U-19 World Cup centurion. Lacks IPL experience yet the youngster can make a strong mark this IPL season. Malhotra is known for his multifaceted contribution and he may get a few opportunities for RCB this season.

IPL 2026: 10 Youngest Players in IPL this Season

*Age in Years and Days at the Start of the Season

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals) - 14 yrs 232 days
Ayush Mhatre (Chennai Super Kings) - 18 yrs 159 days
Sahil Parakh (Delhi Capitals) - 18 yrs 198 days
Satvik Deswal (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - 18 yrs 274 days
Vihaan Malhotra (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - 18 yrs 355 days
Kanishk Chouhan (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - 19 yrs 87 days
Yash Raj Punja (Rajasthan Royals) - 19 yrs 179 days
Kartik Sharma (Chennai Super Kings) - 19 yrs 202 days
Kwena Maphaka (Rajasthan Royals) - 19 yrs 258 days
Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Rajasthan Royals) - 19 yrs 270 days

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IPL 2026: 10 Youngest Players in Action in Indian Premier League This Season - Full List, Key Names to Watch

SUMMARY