Home » Top 10 Youngest Players In IPL History (2026 List)
Written By: Ben Crawley
Published: January 7, 2026

Vaibhav Suryavanshi is the youngest player to ever make his IPL debut. This highlights how the league focuses on giving young talent a significant platform. His early start at the age of just 13 years shows that promising players can gain valuable exposure and experience at a young age.

The IPL has seen many teenage stars making a difference with their skills. They have contributed to their teams in important matches. Young players often bring energy, new ideas, and fearless cricket, which can alter the outcome of games.

This article discusses the top 10 youngest players in IPL history, including their debut details, performances, and their impact on matches.

Top 10 Youngest Players In IPL (2008-2026)

Below is the list of the youngest players to have made their debut in the Indian Premier League.

PositionNameAge at DebutTeam
1Vaibhav Suryavanshi13 years, 243 daysRajasthan Royals
2Prayas Ray Barman16 years, 157 daysRoyal Challengers Bengaluru
3Mujeeb Ur Rahman17 years, 11 daysKings XI Punjab
4Riyan Parag17 years, 152 daysRajasthan Royals
5Sarfaraz Khan17 years, 177 daysRoyal Challengers Bengaluru
6Pradeep Sangwan17 years, 179 daysDelhi Daredevils
7Washington Sundar17 years, 199 daysRising Pune Supergiant
8Rahul Chahar17 years, 247 daysRising Pune Supergiant
9Abhishek Sharma17 years, 250 daysDelhi Capitals
10Sandeep Lamichhane17 years, 283 daysDelhi Daredevils

The Indian Premier League has seen many young talents shine on the big stage. Some players started their careers in their teens, showing impressive skill and calmness beyond their years. 

Vaibhav Suryavanshi holds the record as the youngest player to compete in the IPL, debuting at just 13 years and 243 days old.

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi (13 years and 243 days)

Vaibhav Suryavanshi made headlines in IPL 2025 when Rajasthan Royals bought him for ₹1.10 crore. He became the youngest player in IPL history, debuting against Lucknow Super Giants and hitting a six off his first ball. 

Vaibhav Suryavanshi - Youngest Players In IPL
Source: Al Jazeera

He kept impressing fans by scoring the youngest T20 century in IPL history, smashing 101 runs off 38 balls against Gujarat Titans with 11 sixes and seven fours. Later, he contributed a crucial 57 runs off 33 balls in RR’s final league match, demonstrating impressive power and composure for his age.

2. Prayas Ray Barman (16 years, 157 days)

Prayas Ray Barman made his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2019 when he was only 16 years and 157 days old. RCB bought him for ₹1.5 crore after he performed well in domestic cricket.

Prayas Ray Barman
Source: ZEE News

In his first match, he scored 19 runs and bowled his full quota, giving up 56 runs. Even with the rough start, his talent stood out. He gained important experience and became one of the youngest players to play in the IPL.

3. Mujeeb Ur Rahman (17 years, 11 days)

Mujeeb Ur Rahman made his IPL debut for Kings XI Punjab at just 17 years and 11 days, playing against Delhi Daredevils in 2018. He impressed immediately, taking 2 wickets for 28 runs in his first match and finishing the season with 14 wickets in 11 games, showcasing his mystery spin and economical bowling.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Source: Sport360

After his breakthrough season, Mujeeb moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad and later Kolkata Knight Riders. He continues to be a key T20 spinner with valuable IPL experience.

4. Riyan Parag (17 years, 152 days)

Riyan Parag made his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals on April 11, 2019, against Chennai Super Kings at 17 years and 152 days. He impressed early by scoring crucial runs and showed calmness under pressure.

Riyan Parag
Source: The Indian Express

Bought by RR at his base price, he later became a key all-rounder and was retained in subsequent auctions. By IPL 2025, Parag had matured into a senior middle-order batter cementing his importance in RR’s batting lineup.

5. Sarfaraz Khan (17 years, 177 days)

Sarfaraz Khan made his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2015 at 17 years and 177 days against Chennai Super Kings, scoring 11 off 7 in a cameo. In his next match against Rajasthan Royals, he impressed with 45 runs, showing his aggressive batting potential.

Sarfaraz Khan
Source: NDTV Sports

Over the years, Sarfaraz has played for Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, contributing consistently in the middle order. He has been bought and retained in multiple auctions, becoming a reliable young talent in the IPL.

6. Pradeep Sangwan (17 years, 179 days)

Pradeep Sangwan made his IPL debut for Delhi Daredevils on May 2, 2008, against Chennai Super Kings at 17 years and 179 days. In his debut, he bowled four overs with a wicket for 29 runs and impressed as a promising left-arm pacer with swing and control.

Pradeep Sangwan
Source: The Hindu

Over the years, Sangwan played for Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Lions, contributing experience and versatility to their bowling attacks. He remained a valuable young talent and a sought-after bowler in multiple IPL auctions.

7. Washington Sundar (17 years, 199 days)

Washington Sundar made his IPL debut for Rising Pune Supergiant on April 22, 2017, against Sunrisers Hyderabad at 17 years and 199 days. He impressed with economical off-spin and soon became a key part of Pune’s bowling attack, including a standout 3/16 in the Qualifier, helping the team reach the final.

Washington Sundar
Source: The Indian Express

Over the years, Sundar played for Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad before joining Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. He contributes effectively with both bat and ball, establishing himself as a valuable all-rounder in the league.

8. Rahul Chahar (17 years, 247 days)

Rahul Chahar made his IPL debut for Rising Pune Supergiant on April 8, 2017, against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at 17 years and 247 days. Known for his leg-spin, he bowled economically and impressed with his control and maturity in his first match.

Rahul Chahar
Source: ESPNcricinfo

He later played for Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, becoming a key spinner in the IPL. Chahar consistently contributed with vital wickets and maintained a strong economy, establishing himself as a reliable young talent in T20 cricket.

9. Abhishek Sharma (17 years, 250 days)

Abhishek Sharma made his IPL debut for Delhi Daredevils on May 12, 2018, against Royal Challengers Bangalore at 17 years and 250 days. He impressed immediately with 46 off 19 balls, showcasing fearless power hitting at a young age.

Abhishek Sharma
Source: NewsBytes

After his breakthrough, Abhishek became a key player for Sunrisers Hyderabad, delivering match-winning performances. In IPL 2025, he played a memorable 141 off 55 balls, helping SRH chase big totals and establishing himself as one of the most promising young all-rounders in the league.

10. Sandeep Lamichhane (17 years, 283 days)

Sandeep Lamichhane made his IPL debut for Delhi Daredevils on May 12, 2018, playing against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi. 

Sandeep Lamichhane
Source: Deccan Chronicle

He became the first Nepal cricketer to play in the IPL and impressed by taking 1 wicket for 25 runs in his four overs while bowling against top batsmen. His debut marked a historic moment for Nepal cricket and the IPL.

Related Reads:

Conclusion: Vaibhav Suryavanshi Is The Youngest Debutant In IPL History!

The Indian Premier League has always been a place for young talent to shine. Over the years, teenage players like Prayas Ray Barman, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Riyan Parag, Sarfaraz Khan, and Washington Sundar have shown skill, confidence, and maturity beyond their years. They have made a significant impact in the tournament. 

Vaibhav Suryavanshi stands out as the youngest debutant in IPL history, setting an impressive record. His journey shows how early chances can help young players grow quickly and gain important experience at the highest level. 

With more young Indian and international players expected in future seasons, the IPL will continue to shape the next generation of cricket stars.

About the Author

Hey, I am a cricket writer based in London with over 7 years of experience covering everything from county championships to international showdowns. I bring a sharp eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, highlighting England’s rising stars and memorable match moments. At DurhamCricket, I deliver weekly coverage that's honest, insightful, and easy to follow—perfect for fans who live and breathe the game.

Scroll to Top