Young Players To Watch Out For In IPL 2026: The BCCI has announced that the first match of this IPL2026 season will take place on March 28 there will be 20 games at the beginning of the tournament period. The Royal Challengers Bangalore versus the Sunrisers Hyderabad will start the tournament.
5 Young Players To Watch Out For In IPL 2026
5. Ashok Sharma
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During the IPL 2026 mini-auction, large amounts of money were spent on multiple uncapped players, thus, generating huge amounts of speculation. A silent jackpot has been acquired by the Gujarat Titans in the shape of Ashok Sharma for Rs 90 lakhs only.
Ashok Sharma has been making headlines with his form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and his ability to take wickets; he has also been able to bowl close to 150 km/h, and therefore, is a significant ‘X-factor’ for the Gujarat Titans next season.
4. Ayush Mhatre
CSK have kept young Ayush Mhatre before the IPL auction for 2026. This right-handed batsman is a known aggressive batsman. In the IPL 2025 Ayush Mhatre has already shown his great talent with many great innings for CSK.
Ayush Mhatre has scored a total of 240 runs in the IPL over 7 matches with an average of 34.3 and a strike rate of 189.0. He has the highest score of 94 runs in the IPL and India also won the U-19 World Cup under his leadership.
3. Mangesh Yadav
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Being left-hand fast bowler and a batsman makes Mangesh Yadav unique compared to everyone else. Mangesh took 14 wickets in six matches during the 2025 Madhya Pradesh Premier League with three instances of taking 4 wickets per match as well. In T20 cricket, left-hand fast bowlers are a commodity and therefore there will be many franchises wanting Mangesh Yadav.
Although he is not yet a regular fixture in his state team, his statistics and bowling variations are more than enough to catch the attention of IPL franchises. Royal Challengers Bangalore secured his services for Rs 5.20 crore, making Mangesh Yadav the fourth most expensive uncapped player in the IPL auction.
2. Prashant Veer
Chennai Super Kings selected Prashant Veer, an all-time IPL)Uncapped player for Rs 14.20 crores in the mini-auction (2028). The purchase makes Prashant; the all time most-expensive uncapped IPL player.
Prashant is an all-rounder who bowls left-arm spin and bats in the middle order, but can also help close the innings if needed. His addition will help fill Ravindra Jadeja’s role within the team, which is why CSK wants to invest heavily in him this season.
MS Dhoni, in particular, is likely to take a keen interest in nurturing Prashant Veer this season.
1. Cooper Connolly
22-year-old Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly has been signed by the Punjab Kings for Rs 3 crore. A left-handed batsman, Connolly possesses the ability to stabilize the innings in the middle order and finish matches effectively when required. He also contributes with his left-arm spin bowling.
During his time with the Perth Scorchers, Connolly has impressed everyone with his performances in the Big Bash League, with contributions from both bat and ball. He also has experience from playing in Major League Cricket and now hopes to showcase that talent again this year in the Indian Premier League, as he will be heavily scrutinized this season.
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