As the IPL 2026 young stars season approaches, all eyes are on the new wave of talent emerging from India’s Under-19 circuit. Following India’s remarkable performance in the U-19 World Cup and a high-profile IPL auction, several uncapped players are now entering the league as potential game-changers. Here are the five IPL 2026 young stars every cricket fan should watch.
1. Kartik Sharma – Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings secured 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma for a staggering ₹14.2 crore. Hailing from Rajasthan, Kartik is a fearless top-order aggressor capable of exploiting powerplays effectively. His aggressive style and fearless approach make him one of the most promising IPL 2026 young stars this season.
2. Prashant Veer – Chennai Super Kings
Prashant Veer, another CSK acquisition, is being hailed as a future successor to Ravindra Jadeja. This left-arm orthodox spin-bowling all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh boasts a domestic T20 strike rate nearing 170 with an excellent economy rate. Veer’s dual-threat capability makes him a standout among the top IPL 2026 young stars.
3. Auqib Nabi Dar – Delhi Capitals
Fast-bowling sensation Auqib Nabi Dar from Jammu & Kashmir joins Delhi Capitals for ₹8.40 crore. A Ranji Trophy winner and top wicket-taker for his state, Dar’s raw pace and ability to swing the ball both ways make him a genuine wicket-taking option. He is one of the most exciting IPL 2026 young stars to follow.
4. Vihaan Malhotra – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB fans have high hopes for 18-year-old batting prodigy Vihaan Malhotra. A centurion in India’s U-19 World Cup run, Malhotra is often compared to Shubman Gill for his composure and elegant stroke-play. Picked at ₹30 lakh, he is one of the technically gifted IPL 2026 young stars ready to make an impact in Bengaluru’s top order.
5. Mohammed Izhar – Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians have discovered Bihar’s Mohammed Izhar, a pace sensation who dominated the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 9 wickets in 5 matches. With express pace and a tight economy of 7.11, Izhar is one of the IPL 2026 young stars capable of turning games in Mumbai’s favor this season.
These five debutants are the IPL 2026 young stars fans will be talking about all season. With talent, aggression, and big-money bids backing them, these rising players could define the future of Indian cricket and shine in the upcoming IPL season.