Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
His age and exploits over the last 12 months in age-group cricket, domestic cricket and the IPL precede his name and reputation. The wonderkid from Bihar has taken the cricketing world by storm and, after success in the Rising Stars Asia Cup and the Under-19 World Cup, has carried that form into IPL 2026, picking up from where he left off last season. He scored 252 runs in just seven games, striking at over 200 and registering the second-fastest century of the tournament. Sooryavanshi began this season with a thunderous 15-ball half-century against CSK and followed it up with another quickfire knock against GT, helping RR get off to a strong start. Legendary Team India spinner Anil Kumble heaped praise on the left-handed batsman. Speaking on JioStar, he said, "Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, in particular, has been remarkable. The aggression he brings to the crease, the power he possesses, and the freedom with which he plays make him a very exciting talent to watch in the weeks ahead" (Pic: File Pic)
Sameer Rizvi
The UP big-hitter first grabbed attention in the UP T20 League a couple of years ago, prompting CSK to invest INR 8.4 crore in him at the IPL 2024 auction. After a disappointing season and subsequent release, his resurgence began when DC picked him up at the mega auction. A stylish middle-order batter, Rizvi had limited opportunities last season but signed off IPL 2025 with a half-century. Following an average Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he was not an automatic starter this season, but has now forced his way into the XI with back-to-back match-winning knocks under pressure (Pic: File Pic)
Angkrish Raghuvanshi
Taking on wicketkeeping duties has ensured the Mumbai youngster a place in KKR's line-up for the IPL 2026. While KKR have had a challenging start, Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been a standout performer with back-to-back half-centuries at the top of the order, earning a promotion in the second game ahead of Cameron Green. Being entrusted with the gloves signals the franchise's long-term faith in him, and at 21, Raghuvanshi has shown that he can shoulder responsibility while adapting his game to different match situations (Pic: File Pic)
Prince Yadav
One of the many products of India's state-run leagues, Prince Yadav was picked by LSG in the IPL 2025 mega auction after impressing with his pace and consistency in line and length. With much of LSG's pace attack sidelined due to injuries, opportunities came his way, albeit limited, but he showed enough promise. Even with the return of Mohammed Shami and both Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan regaining fitness, his inclusion in the XI raised a few eyebrows, but he has repaid the management's faith with crucial strikes in games against DC and SRH. He is now emerging as a key component of the attack, capable of delivering across phases (Pic: AFP)
Harsh Dubey
The Ranji Trophy star for Vidarbha has taken to IPL cricket like a fish to water for SRH. The bowling all-rounder has been trusted by Captain Ishan Kishan to operate in the Powerplay, where he has not only controlled the run flow but also picked up key wickets, including Finn Allen against KKR. Dubey has relied on his traditional lines and lengths, while mixing his pace cleverly to outfox batters. Not just with the ball, the record holder for most wickets in a Ranji Trophy season has also chipped in with handy contributions down the order with the bat, striking a couple of boundaries at Eden Gardens to push SRH past the 225 mark. Former Team India cricketer Sanjay Bangar was also nothing short of praise for the youngsters. "Players like Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Prince Yadav and Harsh Dubey are showing that age and experience are no longer barriers if you have the skill and temperament. That is the power of this league, one strong season can fast-track belief, recognition and growth. But above all, credit must go to these youngsters for the work they have put in to be ready for moments like these," he said (Pic: AFP)
