The Indian Premier League‘s (IPL) biggest contribution to Indian cricket is that it has given a big number of unearthed young talents who shined in International cricket. Each season of IPL brings out a notable chunk of young athletes who gather the limelight with their brilliance and remarkable cricket skills.
As we are talking about youth flare, a certain question will certainly hit our mind – who is the youngest player in the IPL? A 13-year-old guy from Bihar, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, recently stole the limelight for being the youngest ever to receive a contract from an IPL franchise (Rajasthan Royals). Let’s go on a deep dive and have a look at the top five youngsters who have played in the IPL.
Youngest cricketers in IPL History List
Riyan Parag – 17 years, 175 days
The Assam-based batter is known for his explosive bottom-hand hitting style. Riyan Parag scripted history when he made his IPL debut at the mere age of 17 years in 2019 against Chennai Super Kings while representing Rajasthan Royals. Since then, the right-handed all rounder has carved a niche for himself in the Indian domestic circuit.
While RR has again bestowed his trust on Parag by retaining him for the upcoming IPL 2025, the 23-year-old will no longer be just a carefree youngster, as many responsibilities will be placed on his shoulders.
Sanju Samson – 18 years, 169 days
A seasoned T20I specialist, Sanju Samson held the record of being the youngest cricketer of IPL for six straight seasons before his teammate Parag. His remarkable transition from just a normal player to captain of Rajathan Royals speaks volumes about his consistency in the fast-paced gameplay of IPL.
The right-handed batter made his IPL debut in IPL 2023 against Punjab Kings and, since then, has been a loyalist to his Rajasthan-based franchise. As he now embarks on another season as the flag bearer of his team, all eyes will be on his performance.
Prithvi Shaw – 18 years, 169 days
Prithvi Shaw’s downfall story has been one of the most disappointing ones, showcasing the highly competitive scenario of the current cricketing setup, but little did we know that he is one of the youngest players to ever grace the grand cricketing extravaganza. The Mumbai-based juggernaut made a burst out into IPL in 2019, becoming one of the youngest players to score a fifty in the tournament.
Despite being considered a highly promising talent at one time, the young lad has gone unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, reflecting his tragic downfall in the cricketing arena.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman – 17 years 11 days
A dynamic spin sensation from Afghanistan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman scripted history when he received his maiden cap while representing Punjab Kings in 2018, becoming the youngest player ever to debut in IPL. His ability to hit mystery balls and outclass even some of the greatest batters of the globe quickly solidified his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Following the footsteps of his senior Rashid Khan, Mujeeb went on further to play a crucial role in his nation’s (Afghanistan) success in the ODI World Cup 2023. As he once again walks into the IPL arena wearing the jersey of the Mumbai Indians (MI), he would be the man to watch in the dynamic bowling department of one of the biggest franchises of the tournament.
Rishabh Pant – 18 years, 212 days
India’s cricket star Rishabh Pant also has his name on this elite list. The Uttarakhand-based wicket-keeper batter started his IPL stint against the Gujarat Lions in 2016, representing the Delhi Capitals, eventually rising to one of the most decorated players of his franchise. He became the skipper of DC in 2021 and led his side to playoffs.
However, as DC parted ways with him, Lucknow Super Giants roped him in at a mammoth price tag of INR 27 cr, the highest ever in the tournament’s cash-rich history. As Pant now gears up to play the next season as the captain of LSG, every cricket fan has a simple question in his mind: Will he be able to make a title triumph? Only time can tell.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi – The 13-year-old boy’s journey from Bihar to IPL
While IPL is widely known for its surprising players, Vaibhav Suryavanshi is another feather in the crown of the world’s biggest cricket League. The 13-year-old cricketer etched his name in the annals of history in the IPL auction 2025 when Rajasthan Royals signed him for a staggering amount of INR 1.10cr. This deal made the wunderkid the youngest ever to bag an IPL contract.
Born on March 27, 2011, Suryavanshi came into the spotlight when he scored a century against Australia’s U-19 side and has already made his appearance in the domestic cricket tournaments like Ranji Tropy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy.
While the question about his probable debut in IPL still looms on the horizon, one thing is pretty clear: his inclusion in the Rajasthan Royals ‘ star-studded squad is going to play a pivotal role in his future, as he shines brightly as the next generation of Indian cricket.
Conclusion
Though the IPL has always been hailed for its high-octane and star-studded cricket, it has become a launchpad for the next generation of superstars in recent years. This tournament is a big boon for young stars because franchises like RR and MI constantly invest in and nurture unearthed raw talents and convert them into highly skilled cricket professionals.
Players like Mujeeb and Riyan Parag are a sheer example of the fact that age is just a number when talent meets opportunity. With each passing season, the age barrier in this high-rated cricket affair keeps on shrinking, and the impact of young talents is only growing.
Moreover, the constant backing of franchises to such young talents makes a simple fact very clear, that the future of IPL belongs to those who do not wait and play a fearless and aggressive style of cricket.
