Youngest IPL Players in History: Updated Top 10 List

Why Youth Gets a Chance in IPL

Scouting has become more sophisticated, and with more data available, this has given experts more detailed insights into team selection. T20 state leagues, for example, have given young uncapped players the chance to impress and turn the heads of the scouting network.

As part of India’s drive to become a T20 force, young players have been afforded more exposure on the international stage. For example, some players have turned out for the Under-19 sides to show what they can produce in a more pressurised arena.

IPL franchises, over time, have tried to add credibility by recognising the promise of youth talent. As a way of managing the heavy workload of the veterans, young players have been thrown in at the deep end, and they have often vindicated the decision of coaches to get picked.

Top 10 Youngest Cricketers in IPL History

There have been plenty of IPL young players who made their debuts much earlier than many fans initially expected.

This updated table shows the age at which these players were granted their debuts. Some of these players were initially projected to make their debut in 2025, and their dreams came true.

We cross-referenced the stats across a wide range of reliable cricket sources, such as Wisden, to show the youngest players rewarded with shock IPL debuts, and this includes data, such as their age, and the opposition faced. The results of the IPL youngest debutants list have changed from our original post.

Spotlight on the Young Guns

It’s time to shed some more light on a few players that made it into the IPL youngest debutants list, and we have provided a series of mini profiles on when they made their debut and the respective impacts they had.

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi (14 years, 123 days)

The record-breaking, left-handed batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s IPL debut came in April 2025, aged 14, when he replaced injured RR captain Sanju Samson. 

Tipped for stardom, RR coach Rahul Dravid spotted something in Suryavanshi that few others noticed. And Suryavanshi, who faced the Lucknow Super Giants in his first match, didn’t disappoint. 

He opened his IPL account with a swift 34 off 20 balls before he departed after he was stumped by Rishabh Pant off an Aiden Markram delivery. Suryavanshi’s innings contained three sixes, and he was given a license to entertain. Since then, Suryavanshi’s most valuable contribution was his knock of 101 from just 38 balls to build the foundations for RR’s emphatic eight-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans.

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

A leg spinner by trade, Prayas Ray Barman was originally the youngest IPL cricketer when he made his debut for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in March 2019. Punjab Kings and RCB got involved in a bidding war, but RCB got their way, acquiring his services for INR 1.5 Crore.

However, it proved to be a chastening debut for Prayas Ray Barman against the Sunrisers Hyderabad as he shipped 56 runs from four overs bowled. Prayas Ray Barman has been playing domestic cricket for Bengal as he seeks to recover from a back injury, but given Prayas Ray Barman’s age, time is still on his side to turn his career around.

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

Afghanistan’s spin maestro Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who was a part of his country’s Under-19 Asia Cup squad, got his big break in the IPL in 2018.

Punjab Kings saw enough in him to stump up INR 4 Crore for his services. Mujeeb Ur Rahman was aged 17 years and 11 days old when he made his debut against the Delhi Daredevils. He had a decent first season, claiming 14 wickets at an economy of 6.99, and he continues to be an important part of the Afghanistan side.

4. Pradeep Sangwan (17 years, 179 days)

Pradeep Sangwan was propelled into the IPL for Delhi Daredevils’ first-ever season in the IPL in 2008, teaming up with Glenn McGrath and Mohammad Asif to take on the Chennai Super Kings.

As part of draft regulations, teams had to pick an Under-19 player, so Sangwan was given the nod due to his ability as a seam bowler. He later went on to feature for the Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans, but Sangwan was released by the Titans for the 2024 edition.

5. Ayush Mhatre (17 years, 278 days)

Unconventional, but fearless in equal measure, Ayush Mhatre burst onto the scene aged 17 when he made his IPL debut for the Chennai Super Kings in April 2025.

He notched up 32 from just 15 deliveries against the Mumbai Indians, but his side slumped to a nine-wicket defeat. Since then, Mhatre has made other significant contributions with the bat, notching up 30 against SRH and 94 against RCB. He’s a serious talent!

7. Kwena Maphaka (17 years, 354 days)

Kwena Maphaka was aged 17 years and 354 days old when he was given his first taste of the IPL in 2024, turning out for the Mumbai Indians. 

Although he played in just two matches and claimed one wicket, it was a learning curve. Maphaka was drafted by Rajasthan Royals in 2025 for INR 1.2 Crore, and he has a bright future ahead of him.