Rising Stars to Watch in Indian Cricket This 2026 Season
Hey cricket fans, have you ever watched a match and thought, “This kid’s got something special”? That’s the vibe in Indian cricket right now as we kick off 2026. With the IPL heating up soon and the U19 World Cup already underway, a new wave of talent is ready to steal the spotlight. These young guns aren’t just filling spots—they’re rewriting records and turning heads. Whether you’re cheering from the stands in Mumbai or catching highlights in Delhi, these rising stars could be the ones leading India to glory. Let’s break down who to watch this season, and why they’re worth your attention.
Top Rising Stars in Men’s Cricket for 2026
Indian men’s cricket is bursting with potential, especially from the U19 squad and fresh IPL picks. These players have shown flashes of brilliance in domestic leagues and are poised for big breakthroughs.
First up is Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old batting prodigy who’s already a household name. This kid from Bihar made waves in IPL 2025 with Rajasthan Royals, smashing a 35-ball century—the youngest ever in the league’s history. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he notched the youngest List A century at 190 off 84 balls, and he’s broken records for the fastest 150 in List A cricket too. As India’s opener in the ongoing U19 World Cup, expect him to dazzle with his aggressive style and fearless approach. Scouts are buzzing about his potential senior debut this year, and with RR giving him more game time in IPL 2026, he could be the next big thing.
Then there’s Ayush Mhatre, the 18-year-old captain of India’s U19 team and a rising star with Chennai Super Kings. Hailing from Mumbai, he smashed a century on his Ranji Trophy debut and followed it with a blistering 181 off 117 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In IPL 2025, he impressed with 32 off 15 balls on debut, showing a strike rate over 180. As a top-order batter with clean technique and power, he’s got that classic Mumbai grit. Watch him lead India in the U19 World Cup and potentially step up in CSK’s lineup for IPL 2026—he’s got the makings of a future international mainstay.
Don’t sleep on Auqib Nabi, the 29-year-old all-rounder from Jammu & Kashmir who’s having a late-blooming breakout. Sure, he’s not a teen sensation, but his 2025 season was epic—picking up 125 wickets in first-class cricket with a best of 10/53, plus handy lower-order knocks like 114 off 82 balls. Bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹8.4 crore in the IPL 2026 auction, this right-arm pacer and batsman could be the surprise package. His consistency across formats makes him a strong candidate for an international debut this year, especially with his ability to swing matches with both bat and ball.
Rounding out the men’s list are a couple of all-round gems: Vipraj Nigam and Prashant Veer. Vipraj, a 21-year-old leg-spinning all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, impressed with 19 wickets in first-class and a strike rate of 158 in T20s. He’s being tipped as India’s next Rashid Khan-style talent and could debut internationally in 2026. Prashant, just 20, is a left-arm orthodox bowler who fetched ₹14.2 crore from CSK in the auction. With 12 T20 wickets at an economy under 7 and unbeaten knocks like 37*, he’s a versatile pick for the death overs and middle order.
Emerging Talents in Women’s Cricket This Season
Women’s cricket in India is on fire, thanks to the WPL nurturing raw talent. With WPL 2026 around the corner, these players are set to make waves.
Vaishnavi Sharma, the left-arm spinner from Gwalior, exploded onto the scene in 2025. She topped the wickets at the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup with 17 scalps, including a hat-trick and 5/5 against Malaysia. Already debuting for senior India against Sri Lanka, she’s a must-watch in domestic T20s and potentially WPL. Her control and variations could see her becoming a mainstay in the national side.
G Trisha, the 18-year-old all-rounder snapped up by UP Warriorz, is another exciting prospect. She was Player of the Tournament in India’s 2024 Youth World Cup win, scoring 309 runs at 77 average and grabbing seven wickets. Her leg-spin and top-order batting make her a complete package—expect fireworks in WPL 2026.
And keep an eye on Deeya Yadav with Delhi Capitals. This young batter stunned everyone with an unbeaten 213 off 125 balls in her U15 debut back in 2023. She’s honed her power-hitting and is tipped for India’s U19 squad in 2027, but WPL could accelerate her rise.
Why These Rising Stars Matter for Indian Cricket in 2026
These talents aren’t just hype—they’re backed by stats and stories that show real grit. From Vaibhav’s record-breaking feats to Vaishnavi’s World Cup heroics, they’re the future. With IPL and WPL providing platforms, 2026 could be the year they transition from prospects to stars. Data from recent domestics shows India’s youth pipeline is stronger than ever, with U19 players already impacting senior levels.
