Top 10 Youngest Players of IPL 2026
This year's list of youngest players features a mix of experienced and new talent. Some of these youngsters have already tasted the pressure and thrill of the IPL. On the other hand, some of them will be playing for the first time. They will be carrying the weight of expectations that comes with notable performances at the junior and domestic levels, which has finally caught the eye of buyers at the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
Another South African wonderkid among the youngest players in IPL 2026 is Luan-Dre Gilbert Pretorius, who is just 19 years and 270 days old. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman finished the tournament as South Africa's highest run-scorer in the 2023 Under-19 World Cup, which fast-tracked his senior career.
After making his debut in top-level cricket, he became the youngest South African to score a century with a devastating 153 on his Test debut and has since represented the Proteas in all formats. In franchise cricket, he impressed on his SA20 debut for Pearl Royals with a 97 and was re-signed by Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026.
9. Kwena Maphaka — 19 Years & 258 Days
South African pacer, Koena Shegofatso Mapaka, who is 19 years and 258 days old, is one of the brightest fast-bowling talents in this year's IPL. Born in Johannesburg, Mapaka first caught the eye at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, where he won the Player of the Tournament award with 21 wickets at an average of 9.71.
It is worth noting that Mapaka had played in the IPL before his senior international debut. Mumbai Indians signed the then 17-year-old player as an injury replacement for the 2024 IPL. After he was released before the mega auction, Rajasthan Royals bought him for Rs 1.5 crore in the 2025 IPL. By then, Mapaka had already made his debut for South Africa in all three formats, including his Test debut against Pakistan in January 2025. It is worth noting that the team has retained him for this season as well.
8. Kartik Sharma — 19 Years & 202 Days
Karthik Sharma, 19 years and 202 days old, made headlines after being signed by Chennai Super Kings for a whopping Rs 14.2 crore in the IPL 2026 auction. Karthik, who hails from Bharatpur, Rajasthan, has been eyeing the domestic circuit with his power-hitting, where he has hit 28 sixes in 11 T20 innings at a strike rate of 162.92. His performances in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy have once again proven his ability to crush both pace and spin.
CSK surprised everyone by picking Karthik in the IPL auction, making him the joint most expensive inexperienced Indian player along with Prashant Veer. Head coach Stephen Fleming said that Karthik represents a new generation of T20 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 old, Yash Raj Punja is set to become one of the youngest players in IPL 2026 by joining Rajasthan Royals as a leg-spinner. Born on 26 June 2006 in the United Arab Emirates and partly raised in Bengaluru, Punja's interest in cricket was inspired by his elder brother Yodhin, who is the youngest international cricketer from the UAE. Although initially a fast bowler, Yash switched to leg-spin due to problems with his bowling action. At six and a half feet tall, he can get extra bounce from the ball.
He was the second highest wicket-taker for Hubballi Tigers in the 2024 Maharaja KSCA T20 Trophy with 23 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 12.48. After practicing as a net bowler for Rajasthan Royals, Yash will look to showcase his talent in this lucrative league.
6. Kanishka Chouhan – 19 Years & 87 Days
Kanishk Chauhan, 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 with both bat and ball. As a right-handed batsman and a right-arm off-break bowler, he has been a key member of the India Under-19 and Haryana Under-19 teams.
His consistent performances at the youth level led to him signing with Royal Challengers Bangalore, who bought him for his base price of Rs 30 lakh.
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5. Vihaan Malhotra — 18 Years & 355 Days
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore have added another young talent to their squad by signing Vihan Malhotra in the IPL 2026 auction. The 18-year-old, whose 19th birthday is just a few days away, has impressed scouts with his consistent performances for India Under-19 and Punjab's youth teams.
A left-handed top-order batsman and an effective right-arm off-break bowler, he recently showcased his prowess in the semi-final of the Under-19 Asia Cup against Sri Lanka, where he scored 61 off 45 balls to guide India to an easy victory. He is also a part of the leadership team as deputy to captain Ayush Matra. Malhotra, a native of Patiala, made headlines during India's tour of England, where he scored 243 runs in the Youth ODIs and 277 runs in the Youth Tests.
4. Satvik Deswal - 18 Years & 274 Days
Royal Challengers Bangalore have picked up left-arm wrist spinner Satvik Deswal in the IPL 2026 auction. At just 18 years and 274 days old, Deswal was bought for his base price of Rs 30 lakh, fulfilling RCB's need for a backup spinner behind Suvash Sharma.
Deswal caught the eye with his stellar performance in the Pondicherry Premier League T20, where he took 14 wickets in 10 matches and finished the tournament as the only bowler with an economy rate of less than six runs per over. He had been in the eye of the team for the past few seasons as a net bowler and intern for RCB. RCB's director of cricket, Mo Bobat, praised Deswal's potential and character, calling him an X-factor player who can shine when needed. Head coach Andy Flower also praised the new player.
3. Sahil Parakh — 18 Years & 198 Days
Delhi Capitals have bought Sahil Parakh, aged 18 years and 198 days, for a base price of Rs 30 lakh. The Nashik-born player had impressed at the Under-19 level, particularly with his unbeaten 109 against Australia Under-19.
He scored 202 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of over 177 in the Maharashtra Premier League and played a key role in Eagles Nashik Titans' title win. Although his senior T20 debut for Maharashtra in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy did not yield much results, Delhi Capitals still have faith in him and have included him in their squad for 2026.
2. Ayush Mhatre — 18 Years & 159 Days
Ayush Matre has been in the headlines for the past year with his performances. At just 18 years and 159 days old, the Mumbai batsman is now the second youngest player to play in IPL 2026. Last year, he scored his maiden first-class century for Mumbai, followed by a 181 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, making him the youngest player to score 150+ runs in List 'A' cricket.
Although he was initially unsold, Chennai Super Kings made him a late debut in the IPL in 2025. Matre played seven matches and scored 240 runs, with his highest score being 94. He has also captained the India Under-19 team and recently led the team to the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup.
1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi — 14 Years & 232 Days
At just 14 years and 232 days old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi is set to become the youngest player to play in IPL 2026. The left-handed wonder made headlines last season with his unforgettable heroics for Rajasthan Royals, becoming the youngest century-taker in men's T20 cricket with a 38-ball 101. His aggressive batting and record-breaking strike rate made him one of the main talking points of IPL 2025.
Suryavanshi has maintained that momentum throughout the year and has delivered consistent performances in domestic cricket and for the India Under-19 team. From centuries in youth internationals to match-winning innings in high-pressure matches, RR have retained him ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction and are set to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in the next edition of the lucrative league.
Source :- ESPNcricinfo
FAQs
Who is the youngest player in IPL 2026?
Vaibhav Suryavanshi (14 years 232 days)
Which players on this list have already played international cricket?
Luan-Dre Pretorius and Koena Mapaka
Who is the most expensive young player in IPL 2026?
Kartik Sharma (Rs 14.2 crore)
Which team has signed the most young players?
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
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