The stage is set for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auctiontaking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25.
This year, the auction pool features a total of 574 players, comprising 366 Indians and 208 overseas talents, including three players from Associate Nations. Among these, 15 youngsters are set to go under the hammer, showcasing a blend of budding talent and seasoned experience.
Here’s a closer look at the five youngest players in the IPL 2025 Auction:
1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India)
- Age: 13 years, 7 months, 28 days
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the youngest player in IPL auction history, has already broken several records. Making his first-class debut for Bihar at just 12 years and 284 days, he became the youngest Indian to achieve this feat since 1986. In September, he smashed a 62-ball century in a youth Test against Australia and is currently part of the India Under-19 squad for the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup. Vaibhav’s meteoric rise has made him a highly anticipated prospect in this year’s auction.
2. Ayush Mhatre (India)
- Age: 17 years, 4 months, 8 days
A promising opening batter from Mumbai, Ayush Mhatre has already made waves in domestic cricket with a stunning century in the Ranji Trophy. Recently earning a call-up to the India U-19 squad for the Under-19 Asia Cup, Ayush has also been invited by Chennai Super King (CSK) for trials. His consistent performances make him a strong contender for IPL franchises.
3. Andre Siddarth (India)
- Age: 18 years, 2 months, 27 days
Standing tall at 6 feet 3 inches, Tamil Nadu’s Andre Siddarth has impressed with his skills as a middle-order batter. In his debut Ranji Trophy season, he amassed 294 runs at an average of 98. Andre’s inclusion in the India U-19 squad for the Asia Cup further highlights his potential. With his physical presence and technical prowess, he is expected to be a hot pick in the auction.
4. Kwena Maphaka (South Africa)
- Age: 18 years, 7 months, 16 days
Kwena Maphaka, a left-arm pacer from Johannesburg, is known for his ability to consistently clock 140 km/h. After a brief stint with Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2024, the South African youngster is back in the auction with a point to prove. Having already represented his national team in three T20Is, Kwena’s raw pace and potential make him an exciting prospect.
5. Allah Ghazanfar (Afghanistan)
- Age: 18 years, 8 months, 4 days
Afghanistan’s mystery spinner Allah Ghazanfar has been turning heads with his remarkable performances in the Emerging Asia Cup and ODI cricket. With 12 wickets in 8 ODIs, including a career-best 6 for 26 against BangladeshGhazafnar brings a mix of mystery and effectiveness. His ability to bamboozle batters makes him a valuable addition to any IPL squad.
As the auction approaches, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on these young players, each carrying immense potential to shape the future of the IPL. While veterans and experienced campaigners will also vie for contracts, these teenage sensations add an extra layer of excitement to the two-day bidding extravaganza.
