IPL 2026 Auction: Spotlight on the Youngest Prodigy in the Bidding Wars

The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction is set to take place on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, featuring 350 players ready to be bid on.

While teams aim to address squad gaps during this mini-auction, they also have the opportunity to nurture emerging talents for the future. The swift ascent of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, selected by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 1.1 crore at just 13 years old and known for hitting the second-fastest IPL century in the 2025 season, underscores the importance of recognizing talent early and fostering it in a supportive, competitive environment.

Here are the top five youngest players at the IPL 2026 Auction:

Wahidullah Zadran (Afghanistan) – 18 years & 31 days

Wahidullah Zadran, an off-spinner, is the youngest player at this year’s IPL auction at 18 years and 31 days old. He has a remarkable T20 record with 28 wickets in 19 matches and a commendable economy rate of 6.72. Wahidullah has also made an impact in Youth ODIs, being the leading wicket-taker for Afghanistan’s Under-19 team with 11 wickets in just four matches during their Bangladesh tour earlier this year. Additionally, he is participating in the U-19 Asia Cup in Dubai and has played two matches in the ILT20 for Gulf Giants.

Sahil Parakh (India) – 18 years & 192 days

A left-handed aggressive opener, Sahil Parakh recently debuted in senior cricket for Maharashtra in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Although he didn’t leave a mark with scores of 18 and 6, Parakh made waves in the Maharashtra Premier League earlier this year, scoring 202 runs in eight matches at a remarkable strike rate of 177.19, and helping the Eagle Nashik Titans secure the title. He also boasts an Under-19 hundred against Australia, scoring an unbeaten 75-ball 109 opening for India Under-19.

R.S. Ambrish (India) – 18 years & 202 days

A versatile all-rounder from Tamil Nadu, R.S. Ambrish made his senior debut in October during the Ranji Trophy. In the two First-Class matches he has participated in India’s premier domestic tournament, Ambrish scored 43 runs with a top score of 28, and took two wickets. As a pace-bowling all-rounder, he is a valuable asset in Indian cricket, capable of batting in both top and middle order while offering a reliable pace option with consistent back-of-a-length deliveries. At the Under-19 level, Ambrish has featured in eight Youth ODIs, amassing 125 runs at an average of 31.25 and claiming 10 wickets. In Youth Tests, he averages 29 with the bat and has taken six wickets in three matches.

Bayanda Majola (South Africa) – 18 years & 342 days

South African fast bowler Bayanda Majola has an impressive record at the Under-19 level, securing 14 wickets in just seven matches with an economy rate of 4.45. He debuted earlier this year for South Africa Emerging Players at the CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge Division Two tournament, taking two wickets for 56 in 10 overs. Although he is yet to debut at the senior T20 level, Majola was signed by SA20 franchise Pretoria Capitals and has been selected for South Africa’s squad for the upcoming Under-19 World Cup.

Vihaan Malhotra (India) – 18 years & 349 days

A left-handed top-order batter from Patiala, Punjab, Vihaan Malhotra admires India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill. Malhotra had a successful tour of England earlier this year, scoring 243 runs in five Youth ODIs, making him the third-highest run-scorer in the series. In two Youth Tests during the same tour, he amassed 277 runs in four innings, becoming the second leading run-getter in the series. Though yet to make his senior debut, Malhotra is named vice-captain to Ayush Mhatre for India’s ongoing Under-19 Asia Cup campaign in Dubai.

Published on Dec 14, 2025