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The 10 future stars to watch: Top 'wonderkids' of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026

ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 will showcase emerging cricket stars, with a focus on players like India's Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre, Australia’s Oliver Peake, and England’s Farhan Ahmed.

Koushik Biswas
Dec 28, 2025
The 10 future stars to watch: Top 'wonderkids' of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026
Here are the 10 future stars to watch out for in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026

As the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 is set to kick off in Zimbabwe and Namibia, all eyes are on the next generation of global icons. History has shown us that this tournament is the ultimate launchpad, where stars like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Shaheen Afridi first announced their arrival.

From 14-year-old prodigies to returning champions, here are the Top 10 Wonderkids you need to track this winter.

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1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India)

The profile: At just 14 years old, Suryavanshi is the definition of a "child prodigy." He became the youngest player in IPL history when Rajasthan Royals signed him for ₹1.10 crore in late 2024. He even went on to hit the fastest IPL hundred by an Indian when he scored a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025.

  • Key stats: He holds the record for the fastest Youth Test century by an Indian (58 balls) and the youngest ever century in Youth ODIs, smashed against England at age 14 years and 100 days.

  • Why he’s a star: Vaibhav plays with a fearlessness that belies his age. In 2025, he broke the record for the most career sixes in Youth ODIs, surpassing Unmukt Chand in just 10 innings. He will captain India in the preparatory series in South Africa before joining the World Cup squad.

    • Read also: Exclusive: ‘Will frame the signed ball,’ Vishal Jayswal, after getting the moment of his cricketing career.

    2. Ayush Mhatre (India)

  • The profile: Ayush is the captain of the Indian squad and a polished opening batter from Mumbai. Mhatre has been fast-tracked through the ranks, making his debut for Chennai Super Kings in 2025 as a replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad.

  • Key stats: He averages 65.42 in List A cricket with a top score of 181. In the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he maintained a staggering strike rate of 166.67, where he scored back-to-back centuries (110 off 53 balls and 104 off 59 balls).

    • He is also the youngest to score centuries in all formats, breaking Rohit Sharma's record.

  • Why he’s a star: Mhatre is a classic Mumbai "khadoos" batter with a modern T20 twist. He scored 94 off 48 balls in the IPL against RCB, proving he can handle high-pressure environments. His leadership will be crucial for India’s hunt for a 6th title.

    • Read also: ICC U19 Men's World Cup 2026: Full schedule, groups, squads and streaming details.

    3. Oliver Peake (Australia)

  • The profile: The only returning player from Australia’s 2024 World Cup-winning team. Peake is now a "veteran" of the U19 circuit and the captain of the defending champions.

  • Key stats: He scored crucial runs in the 2024 final (46*) against India. In late 2025, he struck his first BBL half-century, a blistering 57 off 29 balls for the Melbourne Renegades.

  • Why he’s a star: Peake has already toured Sri Lanka with the senior Australian Test team to gain experience. His ability to anchor an innings while shifting gears makes him the most dangerous middle-order batter in the tournament.

    • 4. Farhan Ahmed (England)

  • The profile: The younger brother of England leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed. Unlike his brother, Farhan is a classical off-spinner with pinpoint accuracy.

  • Key stats: He took 10 wickets in a single match for Nottinghamshire in 2024, becoming the youngest player in County history to take a "ten-fer," breaking a record set by W.G. Grace in 1865.

  • Why he’s a star: Farhan has already taken 39 first-class wickets at an average of 34.82. In Zimbabwe's spin-friendly conditions, his control and pedigree will be England’s primary weapon.

    • 5. Ali Raza (Pakistan)

  • The Profile: Pakistan’s latest "pace sensation" who has already clocked speeds in the high 140s km/h.

    • Key stats: He took 4/42 in the 2025 U19 Asia Cup final to dismantle India. In the 2025 PSL, he was instrumental for Peshawar Zalmi, taking 4/21 against Multan Sultans.

    Why he’s a star: Raza is a big-match player. He nearly won Pakistan the 2024 ICC U19 World Cup semi-final against Australia with a 4-wicket haul at age 15. His yorkers at the death are currently rated as the best in youth cricket.

    Quick look: The rest of the top 10

    Player Team Role Key Stat / Achievement
    Jewel Andrew West Indies WK-Batter Youngest West Indies ODI debutant (age 17)
    Muhammad Bulbulia South Africa All-rounder Captained SA to a clean sweep against Sri Lanka U19
    Snehith Reddy New Zealand Batting AR Averaged 48.50 in the 2024 U19 World Cup
    Thomas Rew England Captain/WK Toured with England Lions in Australia (2025)
    Sameer Minhas Pakistan Opening Bat Scored 172 off 113 balls in the 2025 Asia Cup Final

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