The Indian Premier League (IPL) serves as an incubation chamber for budding cricketers, exposing young players, such as Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, to the global stage. Follow their inspiring journeys in the prestigious T20 league, from fearless shots to outstanding performances. Here, we spotlight the five youngest players to debut or sign IPL contracts, showcasing their fearless skills and stellar stats as of 2024, with one prodigy making history in 2025.

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi

At 13 years and 243 days, Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest player to be contracted by an IPL team when he was contracted to the Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.1 crore at the 2025 IPL Auction. Born in Bihar, Vaibhav made his debut in first-class cricket at twelve years and 284 days and made 100 runs across five Ranji Trophy matches (HS: 41, Average: 10.00). He made 132 runs across six List A matches (HS: 71, Average: 22.00), highlighted by a 71-run innings off 42 balls in the 2024 Vijay Hazare Trophy. His 58-ball innings of 104 for India U-19 in a youth test match against Australia U-19 in 2024 holds the record for the fastest Test century for an Indian youth player. His three sixes in trial sessions with the Rajasthan Royals also highlighted to the coaching staff that he had the potential to make it at this level.

2. Prayas Ray Barman

Prayas Ray Barman made his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019 at 16 years and 157 days old after being acquired for INR 1.5 crore. He played one IPL match, making 19 runs (average: 19.00, SR: 73.07), and taking no wickets while taking 56 runs (Economy: 14.00). The West Bengal all-rounder’s early exposure showcased the IPL’s trust in youth, though he’s since focused on domestic cricket to reclaim a spot.

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3. Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Afghanistan's Mujeeb Ur Rahman debuted for Kings XI Punjab in 2018 at 17 years and 11 days, was bought for INR 4 crore as a spinner, and took a total of 19 wickets in 19 matches (Avg: 29.47, Econ: 7.92, Best: 3/27), but scored 13 runs (SR: 92.85). His spell of 3/27 versus Delhi Capitals in 2018 highlighted his mystery spin and made him one of T20's finest talents despite dwindling recent appearances in the IPL.

4. Riyan Parag

Riyan Parag debuted for Rajasthan Royals in 2019 at 17 years and 152 days, was signed for INR 20 lakh, and has played 69 matches to date, scoring 1,316 runs (Avg: 24.83, SR: 135.11, HS: 84*, 7 fifties) and taking 7 wickets (Best: 3/32). He scored 573 runs in 2024, the third-highest total for the season, and set the record for the most runs scored at 17 years and 175 days in a match.  Riyan showed the ability to break into the wider game and stand out as an all-rounder.

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5. Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan debuted for RCB in 2015 at 17 years and 177 days and was signed for INR 50 lakhs; across 50 matches, he scored 585 runs (Avg: 22.50, SR: 130.00, HS: 67, 1 fifty). His innings consisting of 67 off 34 balls in 2016 and brusquely breaking the Harris Shield record for the youngest player at the age of 12 foreshadowed his making his international Test debut for India in 2024 to showcase his formidable batting talent.

Whether measured as the youngest athlete right from the beginning, with Vaibhav being the record-holder celebrity for the IPL, or across the exceptional young players referenced here, India has been wonderful at creating young global stars thanks in part to the IPL!