Top 5 youngest players to have ever played in IPL history

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 14:01:11 GMT

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a launchpad for young talent, offering rising stars a chance to prove themselves on a global platform. Players like Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja once used this prestigious T20 league to make their mark, delivering fearless performances that turned them into household names. The league's fast-paced and high-stakes nature has consistently brought out the best in emerging cricketers.

This year, we turn the spotlight on the five youngest players to debut or sign IPL contracts as of 2024, including one history-making prodigy in 2025. These youngsters have impressed with their fearless approach, dynamic shot-making, and solid stats, signaling a bright future. Their inclusion in the IPL highlights the league's vital role in nurturing the next generation of cricketing superstars.

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi

At just 13 years and 243 days old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi made history as the youngest player ever to be contracted by an IPL franchise, signing with the Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.1 crore during the 2025 IPL Auction. Hailing from Bihar, Vaibhav had already made headlines in domestic cricket, debuting in first-class matches at the remarkable age of 12 years and 284 days. He scored 100 runs in five Ranji Trophy games (highest score: 41, average: 10.00) and tallied 132 runs in six List A matches, including an impressive 71 off 42 balls in the 2024 Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Vaibhav also made waves on the international youth stage, smashing a 58-ball 104 for India U-19 against Australia U-19 in 2024—the fastest Test century ever by an Indian youth cricketer. His power-hitting abilities were further underlined during trial sessions with the Rajasthan Royals, where he struck three towering sixes, convincing the coaching staff of his high potential and readiness for the big stage despite his young age.

2. Prayas Ray Barman

Prayas Ray Barman made his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019 at just 16 years and 157 days, after being signed for INR 1.5 crore. In his sole appearance, the West Bengal all-rounder scored 19 runs (average: 19.00, strike rate: 73.07) and went wicketless, conceding 56 runs at an economy of 14.00. While his debut was brief, it reflected the IPL's willingness to back young talent. Since then, Barman has turned his focus to domestic cricket in hopes of making a strong comeback.

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3. Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman made his IPL debut for Kings XI Punjab in 2018 at just 17 years and 11 days old, becoming one of the youngest players to feature in the league. Signed for INR 4 crore, the mystery spinner impressed early on, claiming 19 wickets in 19 matches at an average of 29.47 and an economy of 7.92. His standout performance came against Delhi Capitals in 2018, where he took 3/27. Though his IPL appearances have reduced in recent seasons, Mujeeb's early success cemented his reputation as one of the most promising T20 spinners of his generation.

4. Riyan Parag

Riyan Parag made his Indian Premier League debut for Rajasthan Royals in 2019 at the age of 17 years and 152 days, after being signed for INR 20 lakh. Since then, he has become a key figure in the Royals' setup, featuring in 69 matches and amassing 1,316 runs at an average of 24.83 and a strike rate of 135.11. His highest score remains an unbeaten 84, and he has registered seven fifties in the tournament. As a part-time bowler, he has also taken 7 wickets, with best figures of 3/32. Parag’s standout season came in 2024, when he scored 573 runs, finishing as the third-highest run-getter of the tournament. Notably, he holds the record for the most runs scored in an IPL match by a player aged 17 years and 175 days. Riyan has proven his versatility as a dependable all-rounder and continues to grow as a key talent in the IPL.

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5. Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan made his Indian Premier League debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2015 at just 17 years and 177 days old, after being signed for INR 50 lakhs. Over the course of 50 IPL matches, he accumulated 585 runs at an average of 22.50 and a strike rate of 130.00. His highest score in the league stands at 67, which came off just 34 balls in a 2016 match, showcasing his flair and aggressive batting style. Even before stepping onto the IPL stage, Sarfaraz had already made headlines by becoming the youngest player to break the Harris Shield record at age 12. His steady rise through domestic cricket culminated in a well-deserved Test debut for India in 2024, underlining his long-standing potential and batting prowess.