IPL 2026: Giant leap or second-season blues for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?

Left: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ( PC- official X hand;le), Right: Jacob Bethell ( PC-X)

Every year, the IPL unveils exciting young talents. Some take the next step in their careers, while many struggle to sustain early promise. The league thrives on hype and hoopla, making it essential to separate potential from projection. With the 2026 edition upon us, a few emerging players carry genuine promise of making a lasting impact.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Will he take a giant leap or suffer second-season blues? The Rajasthan Royals teenager is arguably the most exciting young Indian prospect in white-ball cricket. He announced himself last season with a first-ball six, and the months that followed only strengthened his reputation. A stunning 175 in the U-19 World Cup final forced the cricketing world to sit up and take notice.

However, he was a relatively unknown quantity last year. This season presents a different challenge. Opposition teams have analysed his game in detail, and bowlers will arrive better prepared. Staying ahead of the curve will be the youngster’s biggest test.

Auqib Nabi

At 29, Nabi is not exactly a youngster, but he remains a late bloomer. Delhi Capitals invested Rs 8.4 crore in the Jammu & Kashmir seamer, and the weight of that price tag will follow him into the IPL. He does, however, have a remarkable domestic season to draw confidence from — 60 wickets at an average of 12.56 in J&K’s Ranji Trophy title-winning campaign.

Operating in the 125–130 kph range, Nabi relies more on skill than pace. On batting-friendly surfaces, execution will be crucial. Persisting with his strengths — disciplined lines and the ability to move the ball both ways — will be key to his success.

Ayush Mhatre

When Mumbai cricket backs a player, expectations naturally follow. At just 18, Mhatre led the senior Mumbai side in last season’s Buchi Babu Tournament, underlining his maturity. Chennai Super Kings, meanwhile, rarely err in talent identification.

Last season, he featured in seven matches and scored 240 runs at a strike-rate of 188.97, excelling in the powerplay. This year, he is set to begin as CSK’s first-choice opener alongside Sanju Samson. For a young cricketer, sharing a dressing room with MS Dhoni, Stephen Fleming and Michael Hussey is invaluable — an opportunity Mhatre must fully embrace.

Priyansh Arya

Arya played a significant role in Punjab Kings’ run to the final last season, scoring 475 runs in 17 matches at a strike-rate of 179.24. He also impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, making 197 runs in seven matches for Delhi at a strike-rate of 155.11.

The 24-year-old possesses striking power comparable to Abhishek Sharma’s, but consistency remains an area for improvement. Developing his all-round game could elevate him from an exciting hitter to a dependable match-winner.

Jacob Bethell

Bethell’s innings in the T20 World Cup semi-final against India at the Wankhede Stadium was breathtaking. His assault on Varun Chakravarthy at times made it feel as though time had stood still. The 105 off 48 balls deserved a happier ending, but Bethell finished on the losing side.

Signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 2.6 crore, he featured in only two matches last season. This year, the 22-year-old — widely regarded as one of world cricket’s brightest multi-format talents — is expected to emerge as a showstopper for the defending champions.

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