The IPL 2025 auction, held in November last year, underscored a growing trend of teams investing in youth, banking on their raw talent and fearless approach to reshape the T20 landscape. From Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s record-breaking U-19 century to Noor Ahmad's wrist-spin wizardry, these players have already etched their names in domestic and age-group cricket, signalling their readiness for the world’s toughest league. Each brings a unique blend of skill, audacity, and potential to their respective franchises. Leading the pack is Vaibhav, a mere 13 years and 364 days old, who shattered records as the youngest player ever signed in IPL history by Rajasthan Royals. Alongside him are prodigies like Kwena Maphaka, an 18-year-old South African pacer with a searing pace, and Allah Ghazanfar, a 19-year-old Afghan spinner whose mystery has already bamboozled international batters. Here are the eight youngest players in the Indian Premier League 2025:
From Noor Ahmad to Vaibhav Suryavanshi: 8 Youngest Stars of IPL 2025
Vaibhav Suryavanshi - 13 years, 364 days
Team: Rajasthan Royals
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a prodigy from Bihar, became the youngest player in IPL history when Rajasthan Royals signed him for ₹1.1 crore at the 2025 auction. His talent shone through with a 62-ball 104 for India U-19 against Australia U-19 in 2024, making him the youngest international centurion in youth cricket. His rapid rise includes a Ranji Trophy debut at 12 years and 284 days, the second-youngest in the tournament’s history. A left-handed batter, Vaibhav’s fearless approach was evident in the U-19 Asia Cup, where he scored two half-centuries.
C Andre Siddarth - 18 years, 210 days
Team: Chennai Super Kings
C Andre Siddarth, an 18-year-old Tamil Nadu batter, joined Chennai Super Kings for ₹30 lakh in the IPL 2025 auction. Known for his composure under pressure, Siddarth has already made waves in domestic cricket, scoring 372 runs in six Ranji Trophy innings at an astonishing average of 93, and leading his state Tamil Nadu to U-19 glory. His performance in the U-19 Asia Cup 2024 was not up to mark, but there's no lack of potential. A product of Tamil Nadu’s robust cricket system, Siddarth’s familiarity with Chennai’s conditions at Chepauk could give him an edge.
Kwena Maphaka - 18 years, 322 days
Team: Rajasthan Royals
South African pacer Kwena Maphaka, aged 18 years and 352 days, brings raw, unfettered pace to Rajasthan Royals, after being signed for ₹1.5 crore in IPL 2025. Known for clocking speeds above 140 kmph, Maphaka dominated the 2024 U-19 World Cup, taking 21 wickets in six matches. His brief IPL stint with Mumbai Indians in 2024 didn’t yield much success, but his international debut—dismissing Babar Azam—showcased his potential. A left-arm fast bowler with swing and bounce, Maphaka’s Test debut for South Africa at 18 made him the youngest in the nation’s history.
Allah Ghazanfar - 19 years, 6 days
Team: Mumbai Indians
Allah Ghazanfar, a 19-year-old Afghan mystery spinner, was snapped up by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2025 after a competitive bidding war. At 19 years and 6 days, his unorthodox off-spin has already made an impact, with 21 wickets in 11 ODIs, including a stunning 6/26 against Bangladesh. Ghazanfar’s sharp variations and tight economy (6.12 in T20s) make him a rising star. Though he didn’t play for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, his international experience at such a young age reflects his readiness for the IPL stage.
Swastik Chikara - 19 years, 351 days
Team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Swastik Chikara, a 19-year-old top-order batter, joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹30 lakh in IPL 2025. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Chikara’s breakout came in the 2024 UP T20 League, where he topped the run charts with 499 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 185.50. His ability to stay calm under pressure was evident in a List A debut century for UP in 2023. A versatile cricketer who also bowls part-time off-spin, Chikara’s aggressive yet composed style suits RCB’s batting-heavy approach.
Musheer Khan - 20 years, 21 days
Team: Punjab Kings
Musheer Khan, a 20-year-old all-rounder and younger brother of Sarfaraz Khan, was signed by Punjab Kings for ₹30 lakh in IPL 2025. His domestic exploits include a Ranji Trophy double-century for Mumbai against Baroda, showcasing his batting prowess. A left-arm spinner and middle-order batter, Musheer played a key role in India’s 2024 U-19 World Cup campaign. Despite a recent accident, he’s expected to be fit for IPL 2025, bringing resilience and versatility. With nine First-Class matches yielding three centuries, his record speaks volumes.
Arshin Kulkarni - 20 years, 39 days
Team: Lucknow Super Giants
Arshin Kulkarni, a 20-year-old all-rounder, joined Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2025 at a base price of ₹20 lakh. Inspired by Jacques Kallis, Kulkarni blends top-order batting with seam bowling, excelling in the 2023 U-19 Asia Cup and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His List A and T20 debuts in 2023 highlighted his potential. A Maharashtra native, Kulkarni’s ability to clear boundaries and bowl in the powerplay adds balance. He has scored over 300 runs in 14 T20s at a strike rate of 145.
Noor Ahmad - 20 years, 81 days
Team: Chennai Super Kings
Noor Ahmad, a 20-year-old Afghan left-arm wrist spinner, joined Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2025, at a whopping ₹10 crore. Noor’s 16 wickets in 13 games for Gujarat Titans in 2023 (economy 7.82) showcased his talent. His 2023 World Cup stint (five wickets in four games) further proved his mettle. A rarity in modern cricket, Noor’s wrist-spin baffled batters, earning him a reputation as Afghanistan’s next big thing. After Gujarat, CSK’s spin-friendly Chepauk suits his style, and he could complement Ravindra Jadeja.
