Rising Stars: U-19 Players to Watch in Upcoming IPL Seasons

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has earned its reputation as the grand stage where young and hungry cricketers can announce themselves to the world. From discovering India’s next big batting sensation to unearthing an all-rounder who can change the momentum of a match in just an over, the IPL has always been a goldmine for emerging stars. 

Each season, a fresh crop of under-19 players steps into the spotlight—some armed with domestic accolades, others with raw talent and high potential. Yet all share one common thread: the desire to break through and leave an indelible mark on the biggest T20 league in the world.

This listicle spotlights six rising stars, each with a unique story and skill set, who are primed to shape future IPL seasons. From a record-breaking 13-year-old batsman to a 25-year-old late bloomer who once starred in a U-19 squad, these names encapsulate the promise, excitement, and unpredictability that define the IPL.

If you’re scouting for the next Virat Kohli or simply watching with fantasy league ambitions, keep your eye on these players as they have every chance of shining bright in upcoming tournaments.

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals)

Age: 13

Role: Batsman

Why Watch

1. Youngest-ever IPL Signee: In a cricket-mad country used to seeing teenage breakouts, Vaibhav has taken it to an entirely new level, signing an IPL contract at just 13 years old.

2. Explosive Scoring + Composure: Scouts rave about his remarkable maturity at the crease. Despite his limited size and relative inexperience, Vaibhav exhibits crisp strokeplay that belies his youth. He has hammered older bowling attacks in junior competitions, showing zero fear of pace or spin.

3. Long-term Prospect for RR: The Rajasthan Royals franchise has a track record of investing in unknown starlets and reaping rewards down the line (think of the 2008 underdog champions). With Vaibhav, they’re planning for the far future, giving him exposure to top-level coaching while carefully managing expectations.

Potential Impact & Challenges

• At 13, he obviously isn’t going to waltz into the Royals’ senior playing XI right away; Indian regulations and the demands of top-tier cricket likely mean it could be years before he’s genuinely ready to handle the speed and pressure of an IPL match.

• Still, the Royals’ environment emphasises youth development. Surrounded by experienced overseas mentors, Vaibhav is expected to hone his technique over multiple seasons, gradually refining his shot selection, footwork, and mental resilience.

In short, Vaibhav Suryavanshi is an investment for the future—a demonstration of how the IPL is no longer just a finishing school for near-finished talents, but a place where the next generation of cricket stars is identified earlier than ever.

2. Robin Minz (Mumbai Indians)

Age: 19

Role: Wicketkeeper-Batsman

Why Watch

1. “The Next Dhoni” Tag: More than a few fans have drawn comparisons between Robin Minz and MS Dhoni. While that label can be a burden, it signals Robin’s combination of power-hitting, street-smart glovework, and composure under pressure.

2. Sharp Glove-Work: For a young keeper, his ability behind the stumps impresses with lightning reflexes, especially standing up to spin. That skill stands out in the T20 format, where quick stumpings or run-outs can change a game in seconds.

3. Potential Breakout Star: The Mumbai Indians have a history of nurturing future Indian superstars (Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, etc.). Having secured Robin for their roster, MI hope to turn him into a formidable, well-rounded cricketer.

Trajectory at MI

• Mumbai Indians emphasise a stable core, so Minz may initially serve as a backup keeper or a bench option. If he grabs any cameo opportunities—particularly finishing chases or anchoring innings in tricky circumstances—he can rocket into stardom.

• With the iconic Wankhede Stadium frequently producing fast-paced matches, his big hitting in the death overs and ability to adapt to all conditions might prove invaluable.

• Another plus: Working alongside Ishan Kishan, a contemporary wicketkeeper-batsman with a similar skill set, can accelerate Robin’s development.

Keep an eye on how the franchise manages his progress. If MI’s track record is anything to go by, we may soon see Robin Minz vying for a spot in the main XI or stepping in as a match-winning finisher.

3. C Andre Siddarth (Chennai Super Kings)

Age: 18

Role: All-Rounder

Why Watch

1. U-19 Asia Cup Impact: Siddarth’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball was on full display in the recent U-19 Asia Cup. He not only scalped crucial wickets but also smashed quick runs lower down the order, showing that he thrives under pressure.

2. Domestic Consistency: In local T20 tournaments, Siddarth has delivered consecutive match-winning performances, cementing a reputation as a reliable all-round option.

3. Adding Depth to CSK: The Chennai Super Kings core is known for its stability, but with ageing legends, fresh youth is needed to future-proof the squad. Siddarth’s arrival suggests CSK are serious about building their next generation of multi-skilled players.

Future at CSK

• CSK place a premium on players who can adapt quickly, remain calm in tight finishes, and handle the fan pressure at Chepauk Stadium. Observers say Siddarth’s personality suits that environment perfectly.

• The presence of iconic mentors like MS Dhoni (if still around in a mentoring role) or others in the leadership group can shape his growth, refining his approach to match situations and tactful aggression.

• Expect him to rotate in for cameo roles—particularly if the team needs a spin-friendly all-rounder or a middle-order cameo—before eventually staking a claim as a permanent fixture in the side.

Siddarth stands poised to become the next big all-round sensation, bridging the gap between the old guard and fresh faces in the “yellow army.”

4. Musheer Khan (Unattached / Future Prospect)

Age: 17

Role: All-Rounder

Why Watch

1. Consistent Junior & Domestic Performances: Whether it’s leading run-scoring charts or picking up vital wickets, Musheer Khan has been steady at every level. Even without an official IPL contract, he’s on everyone’s radar due to consistent showings in age-group competitions.

2. Calm Temperament & Balanced Skill Set: A hallmark of Musheer’s game is his level-headedness—rare among teenagers. He can absorb pressure and quietly accumulate runs or tie down batters with accurate spin.

3. Likely Future Auction Target: With multiple franchises scanning for all-rounders who can handle T20’s dynamic demands, Musheer is a strong candidate for upcoming IPL auctions. Scouts admire his adaptability across different pitch conditions.

Why He’s a Potential Gem

• Versatility: Capable of batting in various positions, from top to lower middle order, and offering spin control, especially if the pitch suits turn.

• Professional Attitude: Coaches praise his diligence in training and willingness to learn from senior pros. If a team invests in him, the payoff could be huge over time.

• Hunger & Resilience: At 17, his best is yet to come, but the glimpses we’ve seen promise a long and successful T20 career.

Don’t be surprised if a bidding war breaks out at the next auction for Musheer Khan. He might just be the missing piece for a franchise eyeing fresh impetus.

5. Shaik Rasheed (Chennai Super Kings)

Age: 20

Role: Top-order Batsman

Why Watch

1. Ex-U19 World Cup Vice-Captain: Rasheed’s leadership credentials date back to his time guiding India’s youth side to a trophy, demonstrating an acumen beyond just batting.

2. Solid Technique & Leadership Potential: Rarely flustered at the crease, he compiles runs methodically, reminiscent of more orthodox Indian batters. CSK might see him as a future anchor or even captain.

3. CSK’s Potential Heir: With multiple experienced batsmen approaching the twilight of their careers, Rasheed could be groomed to carry CSK’s batting for years. His domestic track record shows he can step up in pressure moments.

Integration in CSK

• The presence of established names like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway in the top order means Rasheed might take time to become a mainstay. However, cameo stints can accelerate his progress.

• Dhoni, Jadeja, or other senior figures can impart knowledge about reading slow Chennai surfaces, rotating strike, and finishing strongly.

• If he continues replicating his calm approach in U-19 tournaments, we might see Rasheed flourish as the strategic anchor around which CSK revolve their innings.

In an era brimming with flamboyant big-hitters, Rasheed’s more classical style offers a refreshing alternative, ensuring that when power-hitting fails, stable run-accumulation sees the team through.

6. Zeeshan Ansari (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Age: 25 (U-19 in 2016, now a late bloomer in the IPL)

Role: Leg-Spinner

Why Watch

1. Finally Made His IPL Debut: Once a promising U-19 leggie in 2016, Ansari had an extended wait for an IPL opportunity. In 2025, he debuted with a memorable 3-wicket haul, underscoring his capabilities.

2. Hard Work & Persistence: Not everyone’s route to IPL stardom is linear. Ansari’s story is about honing skills in domestic circuits, tackling injuries, and persevering until a franchise took notice.

3. Adds Variation to SRH’s Bowling: SRH have historically relied on disciplined bowling, and Ansari’s unique style (flight, sharp turn) can complement other specialists. He injects a fresh dimension to a pace-heavy attack.

How He Might Evolve

• With SRH searching for fresh spin talent to support or replace older options, Ansari can stake a claim as a frontline spinner.

• If he seizes powerplay or middle-over breakthroughs consistently, the late-bloomer tag might transform into a reliable match-winner narrative.

• The key will be handling the mental pressure of big matches at 25, an age some label “beyond prospect.” But if Ansari’s resilience is any indicator, he’ll relish the challenge.

Zeeshan Ansari’s journey highlights that not all U-19 prospects burst into the IPL immediately. For some, it’s about the longer game of refining craft, waiting for the right opportunity, and pouncing once it comes.

Conclusion: Future Stars Set to Shine in the IPL

The next few IPL seasons promise a changing of the guard, with these youthful talents ready to grab the limelight. From the astonishing 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi signing with the Rajasthan Royals to the determined late-bloomer Zeeshan Ansari at Sunrisers Hyderabad, each name carries a compelling backstory and a unique set of skills.

What makes these rising stars particularly exciting is how they represent the future of Indian (and global) cricket. Some might dominate immediately, smashing sixes or claiming wickets on their debuts, while others will craft a more patient path, gradually learning from coaches and senior teammates. Regardless, the presence of so many well-scouted under-19 (or just post-U19) players signals a constant renewal: for every legend in the twilight of his career, there’s a young lion stepping forward, eager to make a mark on the biggest T20 stage.

If you’re a fan, it’s the perfect time to tune in and track these players’ progress—watching them transform from promising novices into household names. For fantasy league aficionados, keep them on your watchlist; their cost might be low now, but their potential for points could be sky-high. And for the franchises themselves, investing in youth has never felt more pivotal, as the unquenchable thirst for fresh superstars continues.

In essence, the evolution of the IPL rests partly on these dynamic kids. Whether they succeed or stumble, they carry the baton of cricket’s next generation. And for us spectators, it’s an absolute thrill to witness their growth—both as cricketers and personalities—under the intense, spotlight-laden environment of the IPL. Stay tuned, because the show is just getting started.