IPL 2026: Top 5 domestic players entering with strong form

Apart from having some of the biggest international names in T20 cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is also renowned for launching some unearthed domestic gems and giving them the platform to showcase their talents in front of the entire cricketing fraternity. 

This season will see a host of domestic stars compete in the IPL along with international players in a hope to have a great tournament and find themselves in contention to represent India in the future. 

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Ranji Trophy have produced some very exciting players in the past and this year has been no different. 

Here at the 5 domestic players entering in IPL 2026 with strong form

5. Kumar Kushagra - Gujarat Titans

Kumar Kushagra has had a disappointing time in the Indian Premier League (IPL) so far. First picked by the Delhi Capital in 2024 for huge money, the right-hander never found his feet before joining the Gujarat Titans (GT) last year where he did not play a game. 

The 21-year-old, however, has had a brilliant run at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and has increased his stocks ahead of the showpiece tournament. Playing for the title-winning Jharkhand side, Kushagra scored 422 runs at an average of 60.28 and a strike-rate of 161.68. This included a score of 81 from just 38 balls in the final against Haryana to help his side lift the trophy. The year 2026 could be the season where the young prodigy announces himself on the big stage.