youngest player in ipl

10 Youngest Player In IPL History (2025 Update)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always served as a launchpad for young cricketers to make their mark on cricket’s biggest stage, where established international stars and debutants alike share the spotlight. Over the years, players have debuted before turning 18, proving that age is no barrier when talent and determination meet opportunity. Vaibhav Suryavanshi holds the record as the youngest player in IPL history, while Prayas Barman and Mujeeb Ur Rahman made headlines with their debuts at just 16 or 17, showcasing inspiring journeys that highlight how youth, skill, and fearless ambition can transform the T20 platform. Watching these young stars in action, I’ve observed firsthand how early exposure on this stage cultivates talent, sharpens abilities, and inspires not only the players themselves but also the next generation of cricketers to explore their potential and leave an indelible mark on the sport.

The 10 Youngest Players in IPL History

Here is a list of the youngest players ever to make a debut in the Indian Premier League.

1) Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Age: 13 years, 243 days)

Vaibhav Suryavanshi etched his name in cricketing history as the youngest player ever to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL), making waves when he was just 13 years old. Signed by the Rajasthan Royals during the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, his move immediately captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. From my perspective, watching such emerging talent on one of cricket’s biggest stages is a rare experience, as it highlights not only skill but also maturity beyond his years. Since his debut, Vaibhav has scored the 2nd fastest IPL century in just 35 balls, making him one of the standout young players whose performances continue to inspire fans and teammates alike.

Additionally, Vaibhav made headlines with a 58-ball century during his debut for the India Under-19 team in a youth Test match against Australia, setting a record as the fastest century by an Indian in Under-19 cricket. Observing his journey, it is clear that age has not limited his potential; instead, his combination of talent, focus, and determination has allowed him to shine on both domestic and international platforms, proving that the IPL is a stage where even the youngest players can make history.

youngest player in ipl
Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Source: AFP)

2) Prayas Ray Barman (Age: 16 years, 152 days)

Prayas Ray Barman holds the distinction of being one of the youngest players to debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL), making his mark at just 16 years and 152 days old. Signed by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2019 for ₹1.5 crore, he made an immediate impact on the league’s stage, contributing 19 runs with the bat and bowling four overs while conceding 56 runs in his first appearance. From my experience following young IPL talents, it is remarkable how Barman showcased his potential so early, navigating the challenges of top-level competition while representing domestic cricket for Bengal and proving himself as a notable figure whose performances continue to inspire and remain a point of reference for teenage cricketers aiming to shine on one of cricket’s biggest platforms.

youngest player in ipl
Prayas Ray Barman (Source: NDTV)

3)Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Age: 17 years, 11 days)

Mujeeb Ur Rahman made history as one of the youngest players to debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at 17 years and 11 days, representing Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) during the 2018 season. The Afghan spinner impressed with his variations in spin, consistently delivering match-winning performances that showcased his ability to outfox batsmen while maintaining an economical rate. Over 11 matches, he claimed 14 wickets, establishing himself as a standout performer and a key player for both the IPL and Afghanistan in international cricket. From my perspective, observing Mujeeb’s journey highlights how talent combined with focus and consistency allows young players to thrive under pressure, leaving a lasting mark on the league’s history.

youngest player in ipl
Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Source: Sports360)

4) Riyan Parag (Age: 17 years, 152 days)

Riyan Parag celebrated his IPL debut at 17 years and 152 days, emerging as one of the youngest players to make a mark in Indian cricket. Representing Rajasthan Royals in the 2019 season, this all-around player showcased promising abilities, contributing pivotal performances with both bat and fielding. From scoring a fifty to demonstrating his talent across matches, Riyan has made a name in the Indian Premier League, continuing to impress with his skill and dedication. Observing his journey, it’s clear that his debut not only highlighted his potential but also reinforced how young players can shape the league’s history and maintain a lasting impact on the Royals’ promising campaign.

youngest player in ipl
Riyan Parag was bought by RR in 2019 (X.com/@ImTanujSingh)

5) Sarfaraz Khan (Age: 17 years, 177 days)

Sarfaraz Khan made his debut as one of the youngest players in IPL history at 17 years and 177 days, representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2015 season. From his first match, he gained attention with an unbeaten 45 off 21 balls against Rajasthan Royals, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Over the years, Sarfaraz has represented Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Delhi Capitals, leaving a mark on the Indian Premier League with his skill and composure. Observing his journey highlights how early exposure in the IPL can develop young talent, helping players make their presence felt on cricket’s biggest stage while building a foundation for a promising career.

youngest player in ipl
Sarfaraz Khan IPL (Source:@cricbuzz,x.com)

6)Pradeep Sangwan (Age: 17 years, 179 days)

Pradeep Sangwan made his IPL debut at 17 years and 179 days, becoming one of the youngest players in the league’s history while representing Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the inaugural 2008 season. Known for his left-arm fast-medium bowling, he showcased the ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs and played an instrumental stint in India’s victory at the Under-19 World Cup, led by Virat Kohli, where he claimed a five-wicket haul against South Africa. From my perspective, Sangwan’s early exposure to high-level cricket highlighted his talent and potential, demonstrating how young players can make a significant impact on both domestic and international stages while establishing themselves as promising stars in the IPL.

 

youngest player in ipl
IPL T20 website

7) Washington Sundar (Age: 17 years, 199 days)

Washington Sundar made his IPL debut at 17 years and 199 days for Rising Pune Supergiants in the 2017 season, quickly impressing with his all-around abilities. Known for his bowling, he took 8 wickets in 11 matches during his debut season and delivered a standout performance in the playoffs, claiming three wickets for just 16 runs against Mumbai Indians, which earned him the Player of the Match award. From my experience observing young talents, Sundar’s composure and skill at such a young age highlighted not only his potential but also how early exposure in the IPL can develop match-winning players who continue to make their mark on cricket’s biggest stages.

 

youngest player in ipl
Washington Sundar (Source NDTV)

8)Rahul Chahar (Age: 17 years, 247 days)

Rahul Chahar made his IPL debut at 17 years and 247 days for Rising Pune Supergiants in the 2017 season, quickly impressing with his leg-spin bowling and the ability to control the middle overs while delivering crucial breakthroughs. Over three matches in his debut season, his talent was evident, and he later became a key player for Mumbai Indians, contributing to their title wins in 2019 and 2020. Known for showcasing his skills in India’s international cricket across T20Is and ODIs, Rahul’s journey highlights how young players can transition from promising debutants to impactful professionals, demonstrating that early exposure in the IPL can sharpen both technique and temperament on cricket’s biggest stages.

youngest player in ipl
Rahul Chahar (source sportstar)

9) Abhishek Sharma (Age: 17 years, 250 days)

Abhishek Sharma made his IPL debut at 17 years and 250 days for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the 2018 season, quickly establishing himself as a talented all-rounder. Impressing with left-handed batting and slow left-arm orthodox bowling, he later joined Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2019, delivering standout performances that contributed to the team’s runner-up finish in IPL 2024. Additionally, Abhishek was part of the Indian Under-19 squad that clinched the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2018, showcasing his abilities on both domestic and international stages. Observing his growth, it is evident that his combination of skill, focus, and early exposure in the IPL has allowed him to develop into a versatile player capable of making a significant impact on cricket’s biggest platforms.

 

youngest player in ipl
Abhishek Sharma (Source sportstar)

10)Sandeep Lamichhane (Age: 17 years, 283 days)

Sandeep Lamichhane made history as the first cricketer from Nepal to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL), debuting for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the 2018 season at 17 years and 283 days. Known for his leg-spin bowling, he impressed with the ability to deliver economical spells and take crucial wickets, claiming three for 36 runs against Mumbai Indians in a standout performance. Observing Sandeep’s journey, it is remarkable how he combined skill, composure, and tactical acumen at such a young age, proving that talent from associate nations can shine on cricket’s biggest platform while leaving a lasting mark in IPL history.

youngest player in ipl
Sandeep Lamichhane (source crex.com)

Conclusion: Vaibhav Suryavanshi – The Youngest Player in IPL History

Vaibhav Suryavanshi holds the record as the youngest player in IPL history, making waves with his early debut and joining a distinguished list of teenage sensations such as Prayas Ray Barman (16), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Riyan Parag (17). At such a young age, he has already proved his potential on the platform, showcasing talent that grabs the spotlight and turns dreams into reality. Each new season continues to highlight his journey, making waves as he gets opportunities to perform while turning every appearance into a testament of skill, determination, and the promise of cricket’s next generation.

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