As the excitement builds for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, a group of young Indian cricketers reflected on their debut journeys in the tournament during an engaging interaction at the BCCI Naman Awards in New Delhi on Sunday.
Among those sharing their memories were Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, each recalling what it felt like to step onto the IPL stage for the first time.
Pandya, who made his debut for Mumbai Indians in 2015, spoke about how the league shaped his career. “The IPL gave me the belief that I belonged at this level. Playing alongside some of the best players in the world taught me how to handle pressure and express myself on the field,” he said.
For Samson, who debuted as a teenager for Rajasthan Royals in 2013, the experience remains unforgettable. “Walking out for my first IPL game was special. I was young and nervous, but once I started batting, I just tried to enjoy the moment,” he recalled.
Abhishek Sharma, who made his IPL debut in 2018, said the league helped him grow rapidly as a cricketer. “You are suddenly sharing the dressing room with international stars. You learn by watching them closely and that pushes you to improve every day,” he noted.
The spotlight, however, also fell on the youngest of them all, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who recently made headlines with his early entry into the league. “It’s a dream to play in the IPL at such a young age. I just want to keep learning from the seniors and make the most of every opportunity,” the youngster said.
With experienced names and emerging talents sharing their journeys, the conversation highlighted how the IPL continues to provide a platform where young cricketers transform their dreams into reality.
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