T20 World Cup 2026 [Source: X]The T20 World Cup 2026 is set to begin on Saturday, and like every other edition, a host of promising young cricketers from around the globe will be under focus. Here we are looking at the top five youngsters who are expected to make a significant mark while playing their first-ever T20 World Cup.Abhishek SharmaThe left-handed opening batter from India has been a phenomenon in T20 International cricket for the last 18 months. Since making his international debut just a week after India's last triumphant T20 World Cup campaign, Abhishek Sharma has established himself as a standout performer in the format. So far, Abhishek has featured in 37 matches and amassed 1,297 runs, maintaining an astonishing strike rate of 194.74. He already has two T20I hundreds and eight fifties to his name and has given India countless quick starts to set the tone for the innings. No wonder he is expected to continue his role and give India the explosive beginnings at the top of the order in the T20 World Cup. Dewald BrevisWhen Dewald Brevis showcased his antics during the 2020 Under-19 World Cup, it gave a clear indication of his bright future in international cricket. Known as ‘The baby AB’ for his ability to play shots all around the wicket, Brevis was already impressing the critics and fans alike with his breathtaking shots. However, some initial setbacks in IPL and domestic cricket meant that Brevis took almost five years to set himself in the national team. Following a successful 2025, Brevis is now a regular member of the South African national team in all three formats. Brevis, with his ability to dramatically change the course of a match in the middle overs, is one of the exciting young players to watch in the T20 World Cup especially after batting at strike rate of 176.42 in the format last year.Jacob BethellJacob Bethell already made history as the youngest player to captain England in the T20Is after leading the side at the age of 21 against Ireland in September 2025. The all-rounder is rapidly becoming a dependable player for England across the formats. He further cemented his reputation as a reliable name after a commanding century in the recently concluded Ashes. As a T20 batter, Bethell can explode during the late stage of the innings. In addition to this, he can also contain the opposition with his bowling, which makes him a valuable all-round option for the upcoming tournament. Cooper ConnollyA Big Bash T20 and Under-19 star, Cooper Connolly, could be the X-factor for Australia with his power hitting and left-arm spin bowling. He has already emerged as a dynamic player in all three formats for the country. Connolly made history by becoming the youngest Australian to claim a 5-wicket haul in One Day Internationals. Connolly gradually established himself as a big-match player by delivering impactful performances in the finals of the Big Bash and Shield cricket. A World Cup can be a perfect stage for him to unleash his skills and make a significant mark. Kamil Mishara A notable talent from Sri Lankan cricket, Kamil Mishara, has made a name for himself through the Under-19 cricket. A left-handed opener and wicketkeeper, Mishara first came to notice with a 250-run innings in Sri Lankan school cricket and then gradually rose through the ranks. Having already represented Sri Lanka both in ODIs and T20 Internationals, Mishara demonstrated solid technical batting. With already three T20I fifties to his name, Mishara is going to be in focus in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The home conditions will be a great opportunity for him to become a long-term member of the Sri Lankan top order.
