The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka is expected to spotlight a new generation of international cricketers ready to establish themselves at the highest level. Every T20 World Cup has produced breakout performers, and this edition appears no different.
Several young players arrive with strong recent form, growing international experience, and skill sets suited to the demands of the shortest format. Based strictly on recent performances and available data, here are five emerging players who could make a significant impact during the tournament.
List Of Next-Gen Players to Keep an Eye On In 2026
2026 promises exciting new talent as young players make their mark in T20 World Cup Matches. Watch these rising stars set the stage for the future of the game.
1. Jacob Bethell (England)
At 23, Jacob Bethell enters the tournament with growing momentum across formats. He recently scored his maiden Test century, a 154 in Sydney during the Ashes finale, underlining his temperament at the highest level.
In T20 Internationals, Bethell has featured in 21 innings with a strike rate close to 150, reflecting his suitability for aggressive roles at the top. As a left-handed batting all-rounder, he is expected to complement England’s established opening combination and provide balance through the middle overs.
2. Tilak Varma (India)
Tilak Varma arrives as one of the most consistent young batters in international T20 cricket. The 23-year-old is currently ranked fourth in T20I batting and has returned to action following lower abdominal surgery.
Since debuting in 2023, Varma has played 40 T20Is, scoring at an average of 49.29 from 37 innings, including two centuries and six half-centuries. His strike rate of 144 and recent warm-up performances place him firmly in contention to play a key role in India’s top order.
3. Dewald Brevis (South Africa)
Dewald Brevis continues to justify the attention surrounding his rise in international cricket. At 22, he has already played 21 T20I innings and maintains a strike rate of 171.32, placing him among the fastest scorers in the format.
His unbeaten 125 off 56 balls in Australia stands as the fourth-highest individual T20I score. Brevis’s ability to score rapidly across all areas makes him a central figure in South Africa’s middle order heading into the World Cup.
4. Sediqullah Atal (Afghanistan)
Sediqullah Atal represents the next phase of Afghanistan’s top-order development. The 24-year-old is set to partner established openers in the Powerplay and recently scored a half-century against the West Indies, providing timely form before the tournament.
Afghanistan reached the semi-finals in the previous edition, and Atal’s inclusion strengthens their batting depth in subcontinental conditions. He also brings experience from the IPL, where he represents the Delhi Capitals.
5. Cooper Connolly (Australia)
Cooper Connolly enters the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 with strong domestic credentials but limited international results to date. The 22-year-old shared Player of the Tournament honours in the Big Bash League last season and offers value as a left-arm orthodox bowler in addition to his batting.
Internationally, he has scored 14 runs from five innings across nine matches, including a modest recent series in Pakistan. However, his all-round skill set and suitability to spin-friendly conditions are expected to keep him in selection discussions.
Special Mentions
Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett (22) arrives after scoring one century and three half-centuries during the qualification phase, with recent contributions also coming against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Canada’s Yuvraj Samra (19) is among the youngest players at the tournament, averaging 36.83 from 15 T20I innings with a strike rate of 160 and three half-centuries.
These players represent a mix of proven international performers and high-upside prospects, each positioned to shape the narrative of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 through performance rather than reputation.
