Top 10 Youngest (Foreign) Players Debut in IPL History

What do Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan, and Andre Russell all have in common? They made their IPL debuts at an age most cricketers can only dream of!

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a stage where the world’s best cricketers show off their skills, but did you know that some of the youngest foreign players in the league are making history with their early debuts?

At just 17 years old, these teenagers have already begun making a mark in one of the world’s most competitive cricket tournaments.

From explosive bowlers to dynamic all-rounders, these young talents are breaking records and bringing fresh excitement to the IPL.

So, who are these prodigies, and what makes their debuts so special? Let’s dive into the world of the Top 10 Youngest Foreign Players to Debut in IPL History!

List of 10 Youngest Foreign Players to Debut in IPL History! (Including Stats & Story)

The IPL has always been a stage for cricketing legends, but it’s the youngest foreign players who are capturing attention with their extraordinary skills at such a young age.

These young cricketers aren’t just filling up spaces in their teams; they’re rewriting history. Each debuted at an age that would make most cricketers’ jaws drop, and many have become stars.

Here are the Stats and Stories of the 10 Youngest Foreign Players to Debut in IPL History! Read Till End and discover their IPL performance and Amazing Stories.

1. Mujeeb Ur Rahman – 17 YEARS 11 DAYS

Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s debut in the IPL on April 8, 2018, was nothing short of extraordinary. At just 17 years and 11 days old, he made history by becoming the youngest foreign player to feature in the IPL.

Debuting for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) against Delhi Capitals, Mujeeb quickly captured the spotlight with his exceptional talent.

In his debut season, Mujeeb’s bowling skills left a lasting impression. He took 14 wickets in 11 matches, maintaining an impressive economy rate of under 7 runs per over.

His standout performance came against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he claimed 3 wickets for just 27 runs, playing a pivotal role in securing a crucial victory for his team.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman – IPL Debut Stats

What truly set Mujeeb apart was his versatility with the ball. His ability to bowl a variety of deliveries, including off-breaks, leg-spin, and googlies, made him an invaluable asset to his team.

Mujeeb’s debut season was a clear indication of his immense talent and potential. Since then, he has gone on to be a key player in T20 leagues worldwide, solidifying his place as one of the most exciting young talents in international cricket.

It’s incredible to watch such a young player rise to prominence in the IPL. Will Mujeeb continue to impress with his skill and consistency in the coming seasons? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure he’s a star in the making!

2. Sandeep Lamichhane – 17 years 283 days

Sandeep Lamichhane made his IPL debut on May 12, 2018, for Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils), becoming the first player from Nepal to play in the prestigious league.

At just 17 years and 283 days old, Sandeep made history, opening the door for future cricketers from Nepal to follow in his footsteps.

In his debut season, Lamichhane showcased his impressive bowling skills, taking 5 wickets in just 3 matches.

His standout performance came in his final match of the season against Mumbai Indians, where he took two wickets in a remarkable spell of four balls, proving his ability to turn the game in his team’s favor.

With his sharp leg-spin and variations, he quickly became a valuable asset for the Delhi Capitals.

Sandeep Lamichhane – IPL Debut Season Stats

Sandeep’s journey to the IPL is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in Nepal, he developed a passion for leg-spin after watching Shane Warne’s bowling videos on the internet.

His dedication to improving his skills paid off when he was spotted by former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke, who brought him to Sydney to play for Western Sydney in 2016. This experience paved the way for his IPL debut with Delhi Capitals in 2018.

Sandeep Lamichhane’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and hard work. Will he continue to inspire the next generation of cricketers from Nepal and beyond with his performances in the IPL? Only time will tell, but he has certainly made a mark on the tournament.

3. Rashid Khan – 18 years 197 days

Rashid Khan made his IPL debut on April 5, 2017, for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Gujarat Lions.

At just 18 years and 197 days old, Rashid became one of the youngest players to feature in the IPL, quickly earning recognition as a rising star in the cricketing world.

In his debut season, Rashid showcased his immense talent as a leg-spinner. He finished as the sixth-highest wicket-taker of the season, picking up 17 wickets from 14 matches.

His ability to bowl at the death and take crucial wickets in high-pressure situations made him an invaluable asset for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Rashid’s performances in his debut season were a glimpse of the potential he had to become a match-winner for his team, and he quickly cemented his place as one of the best T20 bowlers globally.

Rashid Khan – IPL Debut Season Stats

Rashid’s journey to the IPL is incredibly inspiring. Growing up in a war-torn Afghanistan, he developed a deep passion for cricket by watching legends like Shahid Afridi.

Despite the challenges, Rashid’s talent shone through, and his hard work paid off when he was signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2017. Since then, he has become one of the most sought-after T20 bowlers in the world, earning respect and admiration from fans and players alike.

Rashid Khan’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Will he continue to dominate the IPL with his leg-spin magic in the seasons to come? There’s no doubt that Rashid can keep making a mark on the tournament for years to come!

4. Mitchell Marsh – 18 years and 170 days

Mitchell Marsh made his IPL debut on April 8, 2016, for Rising Pune Supergiant (now Pune Warriors India) against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

At just 18 years and 170 days old, Marsh became one of the youngest players to ever feature in the IPL, showcasing his all-round potential from an early age.

In his debut season, Marsh played three matches and demonstrated his skills with both bat and ball. He scored 26 runs and took 1 wicket, proving his ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game.

While his stats weren’t the most impressive in terms of numbers, his versatility and potential were evident, making him a valuable asset for the team.

Mitchell Marsh – IPL Debut Season Stats

Mitchell comes from a cricketing family, with his father, Geoff Marsh, being a former Australian cricketer and coach, and his brother, Shaun Marsh, also playing international cricket.

Growing up in this environment, Mitchell’s cricketing journey has been a natural progression. His all-round skills and commitment to the game have made him a key player in T20 leagues globally, and over the years, he has played for several IPL teams.

Mitchell Marsh’s early IPL experience shows how young talent can make an impact, even when stepping into the big league at a young age.

Do you think Marsh will continue to shine in future IPL seasons, living up to the promise he showed in his debut? His future in the tournament looks bright, with more exciting performances expected.

5. Kwena Maphaka – 17 years 354 days

Kwena Maphaka made his IPL debut on March 27, 2024, for Mumbai Indians against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

At just 17 years and 354 days old, Maphaka became one of the youngest overseas players to debut in the IPL, entering the tournament with high hopes and excitement.

However, Maphaka’s debut didn’t go as planned. He had a tough outing, conceding 66 runs in his 4 overs, setting a record for the most runs ever conceded by a foreign player in an IPL innings.

Kwena Maphaka – IPL Debut Season Stats

Despite the disappointing performance, Mumbai Indians showed their faith in him by retaining him in the playing XI for the next match against Rajasthan Royals.

This confidence from the team reflects the importance of nurturing young talent, even when things don’t go according to plan initially.

For young players like Maphaka, the IPL can be a steep learning curve, and setbacks are a part of the journey. His debut may not have been the dream start, but the support from Mumbai Indians shows their belief in his potential.

Do you think Kwena Maphaka will bounce back stronger in future matches, learning from this experience and proving his worth? It’ll be exciting to see how he progresses in the coming seasons.

6. Noor Ahmad –18 Years 45 Days

Noor Ahmad made his IPL debut on April 16, 2023, for Gujarat Titans against Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

At just 18 years and 45 days old, he became one of the youngest overseas players to debut in the IPL, showcasing his immense potential at such a young age.

In his debut season, Noor Ahmad delivered an outstanding performance, taking 16 wickets in 23 matches. His left-arm wrist spin and clever variations made him an invaluable asset for Gujarat Titans, helping them make it to the final.

His ability to perform under pressure in such a high-profile tournament proved that he had the talent and composure to thrive in big moments.

Noor Ahmad – IPL Debut Season Stats

Noor’s journey to the IPL is truly inspiring. Growing up in Afghanistan, he developed his skills at a young age, making his first-class debut at just 14 years old. His exceptional performances in domestic cricket and international T20 leagues eventually earned him a place in the IPL, where he quickly made an impact.

It’s remarkable to see such young talent making waves in the IPL, and Noor Ahmad’s story proves that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible.

Do you think Noor will continue to shine in future seasons, solidifying his place as one of the IPL’s top young stars? His future in the tournament looks promising, with many more exciting performances to come.

7. Kumar Kushagra – 18 years 60 days

Kumar Kushagra made his IPL debut on April 7, 2024, for Punjab Kings against Mumbai Indians.

At just 18 years and 60 days old, he became one of the youngest players to feature in the IPL, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey in the tournament.

In his debut season, Kushagra played 4 matches, scoring 3 runs and taking no wickets. While his numbers may not have been stellar, his role as a wicketkeeper-batter holds great potential.

Known for his skillset in domestic cricket, Kushagra’s inclusion in the IPL reflects his talent and the promise he holds for the future.

Kumar Kushagra – IPL Debut Season Stats

His journey to the IPL is nothing short of inspiring. Hailing from Jharkhand, a state known for producing cricketing talent, Kushagra has been making waves with his performances across various formats.

His rapid rise through the ranks showcases his commitment and hard work. While his debut season may have been a learning experience, there’s no doubt that he can grow with more exposure at the highest level.

It’s thrilling to see young players like Kushagra getting opportunities to showcase their talent on such a big stage. Do you think Kushagra will continue to perform at a high level in future seasons, unlocking his true potential as a top wicketkeeper-batter? The future looks bright for this talented youngster.

8. Andre Russell – 18 Years 75 Days

Andre Russell made his IPL debut in 2012 with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). At the age of just 18 years and 75 days, He played two matches that season, scoring 2 runs and taking 1 wicket.

While his debut wasn’t particularly remarkable, it was during the 2014 season that Russell truly announced himself on the big stage after being picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

In his debut season with KKR, Russell delivered an outstanding all-round performance. He scored 326 runs at an average of 36.22, with a blistering strike rate of 192.89, and also took 14 wickets at an average of 23.00.

His brilliant performances earned him the Player of the Match award three times, and he was eventually named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the season. Russell’s explosive batting and fiery pace bowling quickly made him one of the most feared players in the IPL.

Andre Russell – IPL Debut Season Stats

His power-hitting abilities with the bat and his pace and wicket-taking skills have played a major role in KKR’s successes over the years.

Russell’s consistency, athleticism, and game-changing performances have made him a fan favorite and one of the most sought-after all-rounders in T20 cricket.

Seeing how he has evolved as a player since his debut season is amazing! Do you have a favorite moment from his IPL career?

9. Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 18 years, 107 days

Rahmanullah Gurbaz made his IPL debut on April 9, 2022, for Kolkata Knight Riders against Mumbai Indians. At just 18 years and 107 days old, he became one of the youngest foreign players to feature in the IPL.

In his debut season, Gurbaz played 10 matches, scoring 229 runs at an average of 22.90 and a strike rate of 130.87. His aggressive batting style and ability to play crucial knocks in the top order made him a valuable addition to the KKR squad.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz – IPL Debut Season Stats

Gurbaz’s journey to the IPL is truly inspiring. Hailing from Afghanistan, he honed his skills in domestic cricket and showcased his talent in various T20 leagues around the world, including the Afghanistan Premier League.

His exceptional performances caught the attention of IPL franchises, earning him his debut in the 2022 season.

It’s always exciting to see young talent like Gurbaz make a significant impact in the IPL!

10. Nicholas Pooran – 18 years, 210 days

Nicholas Pooran made his IPL debut on May 5, 2013, for Mumbai Indians against Kolkata Knight Riders. At 18 years and 210 days old, he became one of the youngest foreign players to feature in the IPL.

In his debut season, Pooran played just one match and did not get much opportunity to showcase his talent. Despite limited chances, his aggressive batting style and immense potential were evident.

Over the years, Pooran has evolved into a highly sought-after T20 player, known for his explosive batting and ability to turn games around with his powerful hitting.

Nicholas Pooran – IPL Debut Stats

Pooran’s journey to the IPL is impressive. Hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, he has excelled in various T20 leagues globally, including the Caribbean Premier League and Pakistan Super League, cementing his status as a key figure in modern T20 cricket.

It’s always inspiring to see young cricketers like Pooran rise to international stardom!

Conclusion

The IPL has been a breeding ground for young, talented cricketers, providing them with a global stage to showcase their skills and make their mark in professional cricket.

Players like Nicholas Pooran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Noor Ahmad, and others have proven that age is just a number when it comes to talent, determination, and hard work.

Despite early challenges in their careers, these players have gone on to excel in various T20 leagues worldwide, becoming key assets for their respective teams.

The opportunities provided by the IPL not only help young cricketers grow but also inspire aspiring players across the globe.

With the league’s commitment to nurturing talent, we can expect to see many more rising stars making an impact in the years to come.

It’s truly exciting to witness how these young players evolve into future cricketing legends, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Who do you think will be the next young talent to shine in the IPL? Share your thoughts as we celebrate the bright future of cricket!

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