IPL 2025 Auction: From Abhishek Sharma to Sarfaraz Khan, 5 Youngest IPL Players and Where Are They Now?

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IPL 2025 Auction: The IPL has long been a platform for young talent, where teenagers take centre stage alongside seasoned international stars. Over the years, franchises have invested in prodigious talents, hoping to uncover the next big star.

As the IPL 2025 auction approaches, let’s look back at the five youngest players who debuted in the league and where their careers have taken them.

Five Youngest IPL Players and Where Are They Now?

Prayas Ray Barman

In 2019, Prayas Ray Barman made headlines when Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) signed him for INR 1.5 crore, making him the youngest debutant in IPL history at 16 years and 157 days.

However, his debut match didn’t go as planned, with figures of 0/56 from four overs. This single outing led to his removal from RCB's lineup, and he did not play another IPL game that season. Since then, Barman has slowly reduced his cricketing footprint, instead opting to focus on his studies. His last domestic appearance for Bengal came in October 2023.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman was snapped up by Punjab Kings in the 2018 auction for INR 4 crore at just 16 years and 9 months. The mystery spinner impressed immediately, taking 14 wickets in his debut season and showcasing his spin prowess.

Mujeeb has since represented multiple franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, but injuries have hampered his IPL appearances in recent years. Mujeeb was all set to return in IPL 2024 with KKR, but a late injury saw him getting replaced by fellow countryman Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar.

Riyan Parag

Riyan Parag, the young batting all-rounder from Assam, made his IPL debut with Rajasthan Royals in 2019 at the age of 17 years and 175 days. He quickly made a mark, becoming the youngest player to score a fifty in IPL history.

Despite facing ups and downs in subsequent seasons, Parag has remained a part of the Rajasthan Royals squad and is one of the retained players for IPL 2025. Known for his power-hitting and handy leg-spin, Parag will look to cement his role in the Royals' lineup this season.

Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan’s IPL journey began in 2015 with RCB when he was just 17 years old. With flashes of brilliance early on, Sarfaraz became known for his aggressive style but struggled with consistency across seasons.

After stints with multiple teams, he went unsold in the 2024 IPL auction, largely due to a focus on red-ball cricket in recent years. Despite his absence from the T20 format, Sarfaraz remains a notable domestic performer and will likely fetch a bid in the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Abhishek Sharma

Debuting for Delhi Capitals in 2018 at the age of 17, Abhishek Sharma scored an explosive 46 off 19 balls in his first IPL innings. Now a mainstay with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Sharma has become known for his aggressive opening and middle-order batting.

His impressive 2024 season, where he scored 484 runs with a strike rate of more than 204, has elevated him as a future Indian opener candidate, and he is expected to play a pivotal role for SRH in the upcoming IPL seasons.