The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has rapidly become the ultimate launchpad for teenage prodigies, proving that age is no barrier to world-class talent. Since its inception in 2023, the league has consistently lowered the bar for entry, providing a global stage for players who have barely finished high school.

The introduction of Deeya Yadav in 2026 has reset the record books, marking a new era of youth dominance in the tournament. These youngsters are not just making up the numbers; they are receiving caps from legends and facing the fastest bowlers in the world with fearless intent. From record-breaking leg-spinners to explosive openers, the WPL’s youngest debutants are the future of the global game. As the 2026 season kicks off, the spotlight shines brighter than ever on these five remarkable athletes who redefined what it means to be a professional cricketer at sixteen.

Top 5 youngest debutants in WPL history ft. Deeya Yadav

1. Deeya Yadav (Delhi Capitals) – 16 Years and 103 Days:

Deeya created history on January 20, 2026, by becoming the youngest player to ever feature in a WPL match. Making her debut for the Delhi Capitals against the Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium, the Haryana-based batting sensation replaced From him Mani in the XI. Deeya, who first made headlines with an unbeaten 213 in an Under-15 match, showed immense composure on her debut. Although the pressure of the big stage was high, her inclusion as a primary opener alongside her role model, Shafali Vermasignals the Capitals’ long-term trust in her explosive ‘fearless stroke-play’ technique.

2. G. Kamalini (Mumbai Indians) – 16 Years and 213 Days:

Until Deeya’s debut, G. Kalim held the prestigious title of the league’s youngest debutant. She earned her maiden cap for the Mumbai Indians on February 18, 2025, in a high-voltage clash against the Gujarat Giants. A left-handed wicketkeeper-batter from Tamil Nadu, Kamalini announced her arrival in style by smashing a boundary off the very first ball she faced in professional franchise cricket. Her debut performance was marked by electric energy on the field and a composed unbeaten 4 to finish the game, justifying the massive ₹1.6 crore price tag Mumbai paid for her services at the 2025 auction.

3. Shabnam Shakil (Gujarat Giants) – 16 Years and 263 Days:

Shabnam Shakil was the standout young pacer of the 2024 season, debuting for the Gujarat Giants at just 16 years of age. A product of India’s U-19 World Cup-winning squad, her debut against Royal Challengers Bengaluru was a masterclass in pace bowling. She grabbed immediate attention by dismissing elite international stars like Alyssa Healy and Chamari Athapatthu in her opening spells against UP Warriorz. Her performance of 3/11 remains one of the most economical and impactful spells by a teenager in the tournament’s history, proving that she could handle the most aggressive batters in the world with ease.

4. Parshavi Chopra (UP Warriors) – 16 Years and 312 Days:

Parshavi Chopra was the youngest specialist spinner to debut in the inaugural 2023 season. Representing the UP Warriorzthe leg-spinner made her first appearance against the Mumbai Indians. Inspired by Shane WarneParshavi displayed remarkable maturity, using her flight and deceptive googlies to stifle senior international batters. In her debut campaign, she picked up three wickets in four innings, including a critical spell of 2/29 against Gujarat Giants where she maintained an economy rate under seven during the middle overs. Her debut was a testament to her transition from a medium-pacer to one of India’s most promising wrist-spinners.

5. Alice Capsey (Delhi Capitals) – 18 Years and 205 Days:

While slightly older than the Indian trio, Alice Capsey’s debut in 2023 was a landmark moment for overseas youngsters in the WPL. Debuting for the Delhi Capitals against Royal Challengers Bengalurushe proved exactly why she was a ‘teenage superstar’ in England. In her very first outing, she showcased her all-round utility by taking crucial wickets and playing a high-impact cameo with the bat. Her debut performance solidified her spot in the Capitals’ XI, and she went on to become a mainstay for the team, scoring over 400 runs in her first two seasons and setting the gold standard for international recruits.

This article was first published at WomenCricket.coma Read company.