This Malaysian cricketer creates history as first associate player shortlisted for IPL 2026 Auction

The Indian Premier League has long been the world’s grandest talent-maker, launching stars from every corner of the cricketing map. Now, in a milestone moment for Associate cricket, Malaysia’s Virandeep Singh has broken new ground by becoming the first Associate-nation player this year to be shortlisted for the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Listed at a base price of INR 30 lakh, the 25-year-old arrives with far more than novelty; he brings numbers, pedigree and a story crafted through sheer perseverance.

Born on 23 March 1999 in Kuala Lumpur, Virandeep is Malaysia’s premier batting all-rounder and current national captain. A right-handed batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler, he grew up balancing Indian heritage with Malaysian sensibilities both of which shaped his calm but determined approach to cricket.

Virandeep’s journey began early. He started playing cricket in primary school and joined Royal Selangor Club by age ten. His rapid rise saw him represent Malaysia U-16 at 13, U-19 at 14, and make his senior international debut at just 15, becoming Malaysia’s youngest-ever player.

At 20 years and 190 days, he set another record as the youngest male cricketer to captain a T20I side.

A Record Ahead of Virat Kohli

Virandeep is the first male cricketer globally to score 3,000 T20I runs and take 100 wickets. He also holds the record for most Player of the Match awards in T20Is (22), surpassing stars like Virat Kohli and Sikandar Raza.

By late 2025, he amassed 3,115 runs in 108 T20Is at an average of 37.53, alongside 108 wickets cementing his status as Malaysia’s finest.

Franchise Cricket & IPL Dream

Singh has featured in Nepal’s Chitwan Tigers, Global T20 Canada’s Surrey Jaguars and the ILT20’s Sharjah Warriors. Now, with his IPL 2026 shortlisting, he stands as the only Associate player in the final roster.

For Virandeep, the IPL is more than an opportunity it is a gateway for Malaysian cricket to step onto the world’s biggest stage. And if bought, he could become the flag-bearer for Associate nations dreaming of India’s glittering cricket arena.