From dream debuts to silent exits—how the IPL's youngest stars like Prayas, Kamran, and Zol were forgotten before the world even got to know them
When Vaibhav Suryavanshi walked out to bat for Rajasthan Royals, he was barely taller than the stumps. At just 14 years and 23 days old, he broke the record for the youngest IPL debutant—and didn't stop there. He hit a first-ball six, scored a cheeky 34 in his debut, and delivered a knock that left the cricketing world gobsmacked—a century against Gujarat Titans in Jaipur, becoming the second-fastest IPL Indian centurion in his third match.
Yes, you read that right. A 14-year-old toning up in the world's most competitive T20 league. Suddenly, everyone was asking: "Have we seen anything like this before?"
Back in 2019, RCB took a chance on a skinny 16-year-old leg-spinner with glasses and nerves. Prayas Ray Barman became the youngest debutant in IPL history then—until Vaibhav showed up five years later.
Credit: India Times
But Barman's big break turned brutal. Four overs, 56 runs, zero wickets. And just like that, the boy wonder was gone. He hasn't played in the IPL since. From trending nationwide to disappearing into domestic shadows—his rise and fall lasted barely an evening.
He was part of the Deccan Chargers' 2009 title-winning squad and took wickets against Michael Hussey, Brad Hodge, and even Kieron Pollard. However, Jaskaran Singh couldn't quite crack the code, and his name faded after just five IPL matches.
Credit: TOI
Fast-forward to 2024, and he's wearing red again—but this time for Canada. After taking 9 wickets in 5 T20Is, he's found a second wind far from home. From lifting a trophy to seeking a passport switch, Jaskaran's journey is IPL lore few remember.
In 2009, Rajasthan Royals unearthed a gem from the back alleys of Azamgarh. No first-class games, just raw, unfiltered pace. Kamran Khan became a sensation overnight after defending a Super Over against KKR with thunderbolts touching 140 kmph.
But fairytales are fragile. He played a few more games, then vanished without warning. A final appearance for Pune Warriors in 2011 was his last brush with the spotlight—until he resurfaced in a semi-pro league in 2023. The speed was there, but the stage was long gone.
In the very first IPL season, Sarvesh Kumar bowled 5 overs across two games. Taruwar Kohli managed to play 4 matches, scored 11 runs, and earned the title of being "promising." That promise was never kept—not by them, not by fate.
Credit: Crictracker
They quietly slipped out of cricket's buzzing party. Years later, you might find Kohli playing for Mizoram, far from the lights of Eden Gardens or Wankhede. Their stories are more 'once upon a time' than 'happily ever after.'
Remember Vijay Zol? He was once the great hope of Indian youth cricket. A left-hander who captained the U-19s and scored with ease, RCB and CSK recognised his potential and gave him opportunities. But in 3 matches, he managed just 29 runs.
Credit: @vhzol
And then… silence. No resurrection arc and no comeback season. Just a quiet exit from the IPL stage, his talent only visible in clips from dusty YouTube uploads.
Harpreet began his career with an outstanding performance, scoring 709 runs in just seven matches during the 2008/09 Cooch Behar Trophy. As a former vice-captain of the under-19 team, he received his first IPL call-up in 2009, playing for KKR.
Credit: Hindustan
After stints with Pune Warriors India in 2011 and 2012, he returned to the IPL after an 11-season gap due to a strange mix-up, representing Punjab Kings. Last season, he played in two matches, scoring 27 runs, and he continues to play for Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket. Harpreet also holds the title of the highest run-scorer in the history of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
