The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Every major tournament brings unexpected breakout stars who announce themselves on the biggest stage. This edition promises to showcase exceptional emerging talent ready to become household names.
These young players have shown glimpses of brilliance in various formats and leagues. Now the World Cup spotlight will give them the platform to prove they belong among cricket’s elite. Here are five young guns ready to explode at cricket’s biggest T20 stage.
Young Guns To Watch At The T20 World Cup
Here are the five young stars who can win matches on their own and announce their arrival on the world stage.
Jacob Bethell (England)
Age: 23 years old
Role: Batting All-rounder
The English all-rounder has already started making headlines worldwide. Bethell scored a brilliant Test century in Sydney last month, hitting 154 in the Ashes finale. That knock showed professionalism beyond his years and sparked new life into England’s batting.
His skills suit T20 cricket perfectly, with style and class to compete against the world’s best. The left-hander strikes at nearly 150 in T20 internationals from 21 innings. He will strengthen England’s already powerful top order alongside Jos Buttler and Phil Salt. England will rely on his ability to deliver match-winning performances under pressure.
Tilak Varma (India)
Age: 23 years old
Role: Left-handed Batter
ICC T20I Ranking: 4th
Varma is the most famous name on this list and currently ranks fourth for T20I batting worldwide. The stylish left-hander recently recovered from lower abdominal surgery just in time for the tournament. He looked sharp in warm-up games, scoring 83 runs off just 43 balls.
Since his 2023 debut, he has played 40 T20 internationals and averages an amazing 49.29 from 37 innings. This includes two centuries (both in South Africa) and six fifties. The Hyderabad product strikes at 144 and will entertain fans alongside India’s explosive top order. His consistency makes him one of the most dangerous batters in the tournament.
Dewald Brevis (South Africa)
Age: 22 years old
Role: Explosive Batter
T20I Strike Rate: 171.32
The Johannesburg power hitter has earned massive hype for good reason. This South African talent keeps pace with the fastest scorers cricket has ever seen. His aggressive style and fearless approach thrill fans everywhere.
Brevis smashed 125 not out off just 56 balls against Australia last year. That innings ranks as the fourth-highest T20I score in history. He can play every shot in the book and might hold the key for South Africa’s World Cup campaign. The Proteas came very close to glory last time, and Brevis could make the difference this year.
Sediqullah Atal (Afghanistan)
Age: 24 years old
Role: Top-order Batter
IPL Team: Delhi Capitals
Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket continues with exciting new talent like Atal. His emergence may complete the team’s transformation into permanent contenders. Afghanistan reached the semi-finals last time, and new stars like Atal add more weapons to their arsenal.
The 24-year-old will join Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran to form a talented Powerplay trio. This group will cause serious damage on subcontinental pitches. Atal recently scored a fifty against the West Indies, boosting his confidence heading into the tournament. His IPL experience with Delhi Capitals gives him valuable exposure to top-quality bowling.
Cooper Connolly (Australia)
Age: 22 years old
Role: All-rounder
Big Bash League: Player of the Tournament (shared)
The West Australian arrives with talent but also pressure to perform. Connolly shared Player of the Tournament honors in the Big Bash League with Glenn Maxwell. Experts draw striking similarities between the pair, noting their crafty finger spin and clean ball striking.
The concern is his international record so far. In nine games and five innings, he has scored only 14 runs. Connolly struggled recently in Australia’s series against Pakistan. However, his handy left-arm orthodox bowling should keep him in the team. The World Cup’s spin-friendly venues suit his style perfectly. He is due to break out and make a major statement. It is just a matter of when, not if.
Special Mentions
These two young talents also deserve recognition on the eve of the tournament.
Brian Bennett (Zimbabwe) – Age 22
Bennett scored one hundred and three fifties to help Zimbabwe qualify for the World Cup. That impressive form has continued in glimpses against Pakistan and Sri Lanka recently.
The 22-year-old’s aggressive batting style makes him exciting to watch as Zimbabwe aims to cause upsets.
Yuvraj Samra (Canada) – Age 19
At just 19 years old, Samra is one of the youngest players at the T20 World Cup. This talented youngster averages 36.83 across 15 T20I innings.
He scores at a strike rate of 160 and already has three half-centuries in international cricket. Canada’s rising star will be eager to showcase his skills on the world stage.
