Top 10 Emerging Batsmen to Watch in the IPL 2026
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for showcasing the best cricketing talent from around the world, and the 2026 season promises to be no different. With several rising stars making waves in domestic cricket, the IPL 2026 is set to feature some fresh faces who could become the future of Indian and international cricket. In this article, we highlight the Top 10 Emerging Batsmen to Watch in the upcoming IPL season.
1. Shivam Dube (Rajasthan Royals)
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Age: 28
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Why Watch: Shivam Dube has been a consistent performer in recent IPL seasons and continues to show significant growth. Known for his powerful hitting, Dube has the potential to be a match-winner, especially in the middle order. His ability to play both conventional and innovative shots makes him a valuable asset for Rajasthan Royals in 2026.
2. Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings)
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Age: 25
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Why Watch: Ruturaj Gaikwad has become one of the most promising young batsmen in the IPL, with a great balance of technique and aggression. After consistently performing for CSK, Gaikwad is expected to take his game to another level in IPL 2026. With his classy stroke play, he could emerge as one of the future stars of Indian cricket.
3. Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rajasthan Royals)
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Age: 22
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Why Watch: A dynamic and explosive left-handed batsman, Jaiswal has already shown glimpses of his immense potential. His ability to play quick knocks and accelerate the innings at the top of the order will make him one of the most exciting players to watch in the 2026 season. Jaiswal’s consistency in domestic cricket has earned him a spot in Rajasthan Royals, and he could be one of the breakout stars in IPL 2026.
4. Prithvi Shaw (Delhi Capitals)
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Age: 26
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Why Watch: Prithvi Shaw’s aggressive batting style and ability to take on fast bowlers make him one of the most exciting young batsmen in the IPL. Known for his blistering starts, Shaw has the potential to dominate from the first ball. His form in domestic cricket has been impressive, and IPL 2026 could be the season where he truly establishes himself as one of the best.
5. Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans)
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Age: 26
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Why Watch: Shubman Gill is already a household name after his impressive performances in international cricket. His calm demeanor at the crease, combined with the ability to play both attacking and anchor roles, makes him a perfect fit for Gujarat Titans. With his consistency and adaptability, Gill is expected to play a key role for his franchise in IPL 2026.
6. Devdutt Padikkal (Rajasthan Royals)
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Age: 25
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Why Watch: Devdutt Padikkal has been one of the IPL’s most promising young players since his debut. Known for his elegant stroke play and ability to anchor the innings, Padikkal’s growth in the IPL has been remarkable. With more responsibility in 2026, he could develop into one of the top Indian opening batsmen in the competition.
7. Shreyas Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders)
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Age: 28
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Why Watch: Shreyas Iyer’s technical ability and calm approach in the middle order have made him a key player for Kolkata Knight Riders. His leadership skills, coupled with his ability to play match-winning innings under pressure, make him an important asset for the team. Iyer’s experience combined with his evolving batting style makes him one of the most promising batsmen to watch in 2026.
8. Tilak Varma (Mumbai Indians)
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Age: 22
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Why Watch: Tilak Varma’s IPL career has been off to a promising start, and in IPL 2026, he is expected to take his game to new heights. With his attacking style and ability to hit boundaries at will, Varma is a player to watch for the future. His fearless batting has already caught the eye of critics, and his performances in 2026 could see him cement his place as a future star for both Mumbai Indians and India.
9. Abhishek Sharma (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
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Age: 24
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Why Watch: Abhishek Sharma has consistently impressed with his ability to play explosive knocks in the middle order. His quick-fire innings and ability to play both conventional and unorthodox shots make him a dangerous batsman. Given his talent and the opportunity in 2026, Sharma could emerge as one of the standout performers of the season for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
10. Raj Angad Bawa (Punjab Kings)
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Age: 20
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Why Watch: A young, talented all-rounder, Raj Angad Bawa made headlines with his performances in the U-19 World Cup and domestic cricket. His powerful hitting and ability to control the innings at crucial stages make him an exciting prospect for the IPL 2026. Bawa’s potential as a middle-order batsman and his all-around skills could make him a breakout star for Punjab Kings in 2026.
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 season is set to showcase an exciting group of young emerging batsmen who are ready to make their mark on the international stage. From the power-hitting of Tilak Varma to the elegant stroke play of Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad, these players possess the skill and temperament to become future stars in Indian and world cricket. Keep an eye on these exciting talents in the IPL 2026, as they are set to take the league by storm and possibly become the future pillars of Indian cricket.
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