Several young players surprised the world with their performances in 2025. They have won everyone's hearts with their performances. Therefore, the year 2026 could be a lucky one for them. Cicket is entering a new era. With senior players nearing transitions and focusing on long-term squad building, 2026 is shaping up to be the year where the next generation of cricket stars truly rise. So, in this article, let's discuss about five youngsters to watch out for in Cricket in 2026.
Five youngsters to watch out for in Cricket in 2026
5. Ali Raza | Pakistan
Uncapped Players who can make a big impact in the year's PSL
(1). Ali Raza (Fast bowler)
(2). Abdullah Fazal. (Batter)
(3). Ahmad Daniyal. (All rounder)
(4). Jahanzeb Sultan. (Batter)
(5). Sameer Minhas.… pic.twitter.com/i0LqsbB18X
Ali Raza is a burgeoning right-arm medium-fast bowler from Pakistan. At a very young age, Raza has achieved remarkable feats, positioning himself as a future star for Pakistan. He took 4/42 in the 2025 U19 Asia Cup final to dismantle India. In the 2025 PSL, he took 4/21 for Peshawar Zalmi against Multan Sultans.
Raza nearly won Pakistan the 2024 ICC U19 World Cup semi-final against Australia with a 4-wicket haul at age 15. His yorkers at the death are currently rated as the best in youth cricket.
4. Farhan Ahmed | England
Without doubt, the most impressive newcomer in 2024 was Pakistani-born English crickter Farhan Ahmed, the younger brother of England leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed. He is the youngest ever First-Class debutant for Nottinghamshire (16years 189 days).
Farhan is a classical off-spinner with pinpoint accuracy. He took 10 wickets in a single match for Nottinghamshire in 2024, becoming the youngest player in County history to take a "ten-fer," breaking a record set by W.G. Grace in 1865. Farhan has already taken 39 first-class wickets at an average of 34.82.
3. Oliver Peake | Australia
Skipper Oliver Peake steps up in style and brings up his century with a towering six 👏
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 28, 2026
Follow the #U19WorldCup action LIVE, broadcast details 👉 https://t.co/gGyxHpswKS pic.twitter.com/eqJzmhgqYp
Oliver Peake, the left-handed batter from Geelong, made a name for himself after coming into Australia's squad for the Under 19 World Cup in South Africa in 2024, despite being only 17 years of age. Peake is now a "veteran" of the U19 circuit and the captain of the defending champions.
He scored crucial runs in the 2024 final (46*) against India. In late 2025, he struck his first BBL half-century, a blistering 57 off 29 balls for the Melbourne Renegades. Peake has already toured Sri Lanka with the senior Australian Test team to gain experience.
2. Ayush Mhatre | India
Ayush Mhatre from Maharashtra, is a rising star in Indian cricket. He is the captain of the Indian squad. Mhatre made his debut for Chennai Super Kings in 2025 as a replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad where he scored 94 off 48 balls against RCB.
He averages 65.42 in List A cricket with a top score of 181. In the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he maintained a staggering strike rate of 166.67, where he scored back-to-back centuries (110 off 53 balls and 104 off 59 balls). Mhatre is also the youngest to score centuries in all formats, breaking Rohit Sharma's record. He will lead India in the 2026 Under-19 World Cup beginning in January in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Also Read: 5 sporting miracles that took place in 2025
1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi | India
Soon Gautam Gambhir to bring Vaibhav Suryavanshi ahead of Abhishek and Shubhman in the T20 team 🔥
— Dilkesh (@Dilkesh1807) March 30, 2026
Suryavanshi innings in the last 1.5 years is being a statement to the national Selectors pic.twitter.com/2w7rrtCo2o
The 2025 season will be remembered as the year when a teenager stunned the world. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, just 14 years old, delivered one of the most extraordinary seasons ever witnessed in modern cricket. Playing fearless cricket, the young batter broke several records in the Indian Premier League (IPL), domestic List A cricket, and youth international ODIs.
Vaibhav went on to hit the fastest IPL hundred by an Indian when he scored a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. He also holds the record for the fastest Youth Test century by an Indian (58 balls) and the youngest ever century in Youth ODIs, smashed against England at age 14 years and 100 days. In 2025, he broke the record for the most career sixes in Youth ODIs, surpassing Unmukt Chand in just 10 innings.
