5 players who could surprise in IPL 2026

Right from its inception, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a launchpad for young and emerging talent to showcase their potential on the grandest stage. A plethora of players, such as Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, rose through the ranks after impressive IPL performances and went on to become household names in the nation. As the 2026 season approaches, several young Indian players will be eager to emulate the same.

Here are five potential breakout stars to watch out for in IPL 2026:

Prashant Veer (CSK)

Prashant Veer is an exciting all-rounder who could play a crucial role for Chennai Super Kings. A left-arm spinner who can also contribute with the bat, Veer impressed while representing Noida Super Kings in the UP T20 League 2025, scoring 320 runs and picking up eight wickets in 10 matches. He followed that up with strong performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, maintaining a strike rate close to 170. His ability to score freely while providing control with the ball makes him a valuable player. He was snapped up by CSK for a record INR 14.20 crore at the auction, becoming the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi (RR)

Vaibhav Suryavanshi has hogged the headlines as one of the youngest players to feature in the IPL. Signed by Rajasthan Royals at just 13, he showcased his immense potential from the get-go.  In IPL 2025, he stunned with a blistering century off just 38 balls against Gujarat Titans, becoming the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket. He finished the season with 252 runs in seven matches at a staggering strike rate of over 200. With more experience under his belt in age-group cricket, Suryavanshi is primed to be one of the breakout stars of IPL 2026.

Auqib Nabi (DC) 

Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi has quietly built a reputation as a reliable wicket-taker in domestic cricket. Nabi picked up a chart-topping 60 wickets in 10 matches at an outstanding average of 12.56 in Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden titular triumph in 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, including seven five-wicket hauls. His ability to swing the ball both ways makes him a threat in all phases of the game. Listed at a base price of INR 30 lakh, he was picked up by Delhi Capitals for INR 8.40 crore at the auction.

Ashok Sharma (GT)

Ashok Sharma is another fast bowler who has impressed in domestic cricket. Part of the Gujarat Titans setup after being bought for INR 90 lakh, he was one of the standout performers in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, bagging 22 wickets in 10 matches. Ashok is known for his accuracy and the ability to clock 140 km/h. Ashok has served as a net bowler in the tournament and was part of Rajasthan Royals squad in IPL 2025, but did not get a chance.

Salil Arora (SRH)

Salil Arora, a promising wicketkeeper-batter bought for INR 1.5 crore, could be a surprise package for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He first shot to prominence with a century on his Ranji Trophy debut and later impressed in T20 cricket. In the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored 358 runs in eight innings at a remarkable strike rate of nearly 200, including a sensational unbeaten 125 off just 45 balls in a knockout match against Jharkhand. His ability to clear the boundary with ease and play aggressive cricket makes him an ideal option in the shorter format.