When Rajasthan Royals handed 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi his debut cap on Saturday against Lucknow Super Giants, the left-hand batter didn’t just make history—he obliterated it. At 14 years and 23 days, Suryavanshi became the youngest player to ever feature in an IPL match, beating the previous record by over two years.
List of youngest debutans in IPL
1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi – 14 years, 23 days
(IPL 2025, vs Lucknow Super Giants)
Stepping in for an injured Sanju Samson, the teen sensation from Bihar made headlines once again. He was already a known name in junior cricket after smashing a 58-ball century for India Under-19s at just 13. That knock made him the youngest to score a ton in youth internationals. Earlier picked up by RR for Rs 1.1 crore, he has also scored an unbeaten 332 in a local U-19 tournament and played a key role in India’s Under-19 Asia Cup campaign in 2024.
2. Prayas Ray Barman – 16 years, 157 days
(IPL 2019, vs Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Barman’s debut came after a breakout domestic season. Picked for Rs 1.5 crore by RCB, the leg-spinner was told he was playing just minutes before the toss. Bowling to Jonny Bairstow and David Warner on debut turned out to be a baptism by fire—he ended with figures of 0/56. It remains his only IPL game till date.
3. Mujeeb Ur Rahman – 17 years, 11 days
(IPL 2018, vs Delhi Daredevils)
Already a teenage star in Afghanistan, Mujeeb made an instant impact for Kings XI Punjab by trapping Colin Munro lbw with his very first delivery. With 2 for 28 in his debut match, the mystery spinner made it clear he belonged at the top. In 2025, he was brought in late by Mumbai Indians as an overseas backup.
4. Riyan Parag – 17 years, 152 days
(IPL 2019, vs Chennai Super Kings)
Parag walked into the spotlight in a tense game that ended with a last-ball six from Mitchell Santner. The Assam allrounder impressed that season by becoming the youngest to hit an IPL half-century. Rajasthan Royals have continued to back him, and he now serves as the team’s vice-captain.
5. Pradeep Sangwan – 17 years, 179 days
(IPL 2008, vs Chennai Super Kings)
Back in the first-ever IPL season, Sangwan was a prized young pacer after his U-19 World Cup heroics. Although his debut was quiet—no wickets and 40 runs conceded—he had a good 2009 season. Since then, his appearances have been scattered, with his last match in 2022 for Gujarat Titans
6. Sarfaraz Khan – 17 years, 182 days
(IPL 2015, vs Chennai Super Kings)
Sarfaraz was known for his unorthodox shot-making and confidence. He debuted for RCB in 2015 and was retained for a few seasons, but inconsistent form saw him fall out of favour. Despite excellent performances in red-ball cricket, he has remained unsold in the IPL since 2024.
From a 14-year-old record-breaker to a generation of players who burst onto the scene before turning 18, these names highlight the IPL’s legacy as a launchpad for the fearless youth of cricket.