Every year, the Indian Premier League (IPL) sees many players play in the tournament for the first time in their careers. Some of these players have an excellent debut campaign; they become an integral member of their respective sides whilst seeing their name enter the IPL folklore.
In the past, there have been many players who have had an outstanding debut campaign. These include the likes of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for Rajasthan Royals in 2025, Ravindra Jadeja back in the inaugural season of 2008 and Rashid Khan for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2017. A lot of players competing at the 2026 IPL have a chance to replicate some of these iconic names.
Here are 5 players who are playing in their first season in the IPL
5. Ben Duckett – Delhi Capitals
It comes as a bit of a surprise that one of England’s best all-format opening batters in recent times has not featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) before. Ben Duckett, however, is now finally poised to make his debut in the biggest franchise league where he will represent the Delhi Capitals (DC).
DC signed Duckett in the mini auction at his base price for INR 2 crore. The left-handed batter was part of the England squad in the recently concluded 2026 T20 World Cup. However, he did not feature in a single game.
Duckett, however, has played 217 T20 games in his professional career and would be a great asset for the DC side as an hard-hitting opener who can also take the gloves should it be required.
