The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 promises to showcase exceptional emerging talent alongside established stars. Every major tournament brings fresh faces who capture the imagination of cricket fans worldwide. This year’s edition in India and Sri Lanka will be no different, with several young players ready to make their mark on the global stage.
These rising stars have already shown glimpses of their abilities in various formats and leagues. The T20 World Cup offers them the perfect platform to announce their arrival at the highest level. Let’s look at the young guns who could become household names during this tournament.
Young Guns to Watch At The T20 World Cup
Jacob Bethell (England)
England’s 23-year-old all-rounder has already made a strong impression in international cricket. His recent maiden Test century of 154 in Sydney during the Ashes showed his maturity and class. Bethell brings both batting firepower and bowling options to the English lineup.
His T20I strike rate hovers around 150, which makes him a valuable asset in the shortest format. The left-hander will strengthen England’s top order alongside Jos Buttler and Phil Salt. His ability to play aggressive shots under pressure will be crucial for England’s campaign.
Tilak Varma (India)
The 23-year-old left-hander currently sits fourth in the T20I batting rankings. Varma has recovered from lower abdominal surgery just in time for the World Cup. He scored 83 runs off 43 balls across two warm-up matches, showing he is ready for the big stage.
Since his 2023 debut, Varma has played 40 T20 Internationals and averages an impressive 49.29. He has scored two centuries and six fifties, all of them coming in South Africa. The Hyderabad batsman strikes at 144 and will be a key player in India’s powerful batting lineup.
Dewald Brevis (South Africa)
The 22-year-old Johannesburg talent has a remarkable T20I strike rate of 171.32 across 21 innings. His unbeaten 125 off 56 balls in Australia ranks as the fourth-highest T20I score ever. Brevis plays every shot in the book and could be the difference for South Africa.
The Proteas came close to winning the last T20 World Cup. Brevis gives them another match-winning option in their quest for glory.
Sediqullah Atal (Afghanistan)
Afghanistan’s 24-year-old opener adds more firepower to an already dangerous top order. He will bat alongside Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, forming a formidable Powerplay trio. Atal recently scored a fifty against the West Indies, which will boost his confidence.
He represents the Delhi Capitals in the IPL and knows subcontinental conditions well. Afghanistan reached the semi-finals last time, and Atal could help them go further.
Cooper Connolly (Australia)
The 22-year-old West Australian shared Player of the Tournament honours in the Big Bash League with Glenn Maxwell. Connolly offers crafty finger spin and powerful batting, similar to Maxwell’s style.
However, his international record shows only 14 runs from nine games. He struggled in Australia’s recent series against Pakistan, but his left-arm orthodox bowling keeps him in contention. The spin-friendly World Cup venues suit his skills, and a breakout performance feels imminent.
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Special Mentions
Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett (22) scored a century and three fifties during qualification. His form has continued against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Canada’s Yuvraj Samra (19) is one of the tournament’s youngest players. He averages 36.83 across 15 T20I innings with a strike rate of 160 and three half-centuries already.
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