The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is set to witness a plethora of young talents vying for the attention of the ten franchises. With an unprecedented number of Indian and overseas superstars in contention, the auction promises to be a thrilling affair.
Among the 574 shortlisted players, five stand out as the youngest:
* Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Age: 13 years 234 days): The youngest player on the list, Suryavanshi made his first-class debut for Bihar at the tender age of 12. He has since impressed with his batting prowess, scoring a century against Australia U19.
* Ayush Mhatre (Age: 17 years 123 days): An opening batter, Mhatre has showcased his talent in the Ranji Trophy, scoring two centuries and one fifty in just five matches. He also earned a call-up to Mumbai’s Irani Trophy squad.
* Hardik Raj (Age: 18 years 44 days): A spin-bowling all-rounder, Raj has impressed with his performances in the Maharaja T20 Trophy and India U19 matches. He is known for his left-arm spin and aggressive batting.
* C Andre Siddarth (Age: 18 years 80 days): The nephew of former Tamil Nadu batter S Sharath, Siddarth has been in stellar form in the Ranji Trophy, scoring multiple half-centuries. He has also received his maiden call-up to the India U19 squad.
* Kwena Maphaka (Age: 18 years 104 days): The youngest overseas player on the list, Maphaka is a South African U19 pace sensation who shone in the U19 World Cup. He has already made his international debut for South Africa.
These young players represent the future of Indian cricket and are eager to make their mark on the IPL stage. With their exceptional talent and potential, they are sure to attract the attention of franchises looking to build their squads for the upcoming season.