IPL 2026: Top 5 Young Players to Watch This Season
As IPL 2026 is getting closer, fans are looking excited to see young players performances in this 19th edition. These players have performed well in domestic matches and Under-19 matches. Now, these players have a big opportunity to prove their talents and skills in the IPL.
Even though big players attract much attention, the Emerging Player award gives many young players a platform to show their talents. There have been many instances where many young players have taken this opportunity to prove their worth to their respective national teams.
This season, many people are looking at a few uncapped players, who were bought by their respective teams for huge amounts, and a few young teenagers, who have already made records. Even though these players are young, they have shown their potential to perform well in big matches. IPL 2026 could prove to be a big season for these young players.
5. Ayush Mhatre (Chennai Super Kings)
Ayush Mhatre is the captain of the Indian U19 team that has won the U19 Cricket World Cup. Ayush is an excellent opening batter and has the capability to score quick runs for the team.
IPL Stats
| Tournament | Team | Matches | Inns | Runs | Avg | BF | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL | CSK | 7 | 7 | 240 | 34.28 | 127 | 188.97 |
4. Mangesh Yadav (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Mangesh Yadav is a fast bowler who has the capability to generate pace and take wickets. RCB has bought this player based on his excellent performances in the Madhya Pradesh Premier League, as he has impressed everyone with his performances throughout the tournament.
| Format | Mat | Inns | Wkts | BBI | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| List A | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2/45 | 5.78 |
| T20s | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2/38 | 12.14 |
3. Prashant Veer (Chennai Super Kings)
Prashant Veer is a left-arm spinner who also has the ability to contribute with bat in the lower order. CSK has bought this player based on his excellent performances in domestic cricket and his consistent bowling in T20 cricket.
Batting Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC | 3 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 17.50 |
| List A | 8 | 7 | 133 | 37* | 120.90 |
| T20s | 9 | 7 | 112 | 40* | 167.16 |
Bowling Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | Wkts | BBI | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2/1 | 2.12 |
| List A | 8 | 8 | 10 | 3/47 | 5.19 |
| T20s | 9 | 9 | 12 | 3/7 | 6.45 |
2. Kartik Sharma (Chennai Super Kings)
Kartik Sharma is a young wicket-keeper batsman famous for his strong batting skills in domestic T20 cricket. The Chennai Super Kings acquired him at a huge price for his impressive performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
| Format | Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC | 8 | 11 | 479 | 139 | 79.04 |
| List A | 9 | 8 | 445 | 123 | 118.03 |
| T20s | 12 | 11 | 334 | 58 | 162.92 |
1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals)
Vaibhav Suryavanshi is one of the young and most promising talented players in the IPL 2026. The young opener of the Rajasthan Royals gained popularity for his impressive performances in the U-19 Cricket World Cup and his fearless batting skills throughout the tournament.
IPL Stats
| Tournament | Team | Mat | Inns | Runs | Avg | BF | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL | RR | 7 | 7 | 252 | 36.00 | 122 | 206.55 |
