Top 10 Youngest Test Cricket Captains: Who Was India’s Youngest Leader - Sachin, Kapil, or Virat?
Share this article:
Captaining a national Test team is one of cricket’s highest honours - and most demanding challenges. While most skippers are picked after years of experience, a select few have led their countries at a remarkably young age. These youthful leaders proved that leadership isn't about age - it's about vision, confidence, and grit. As Shubman Gill becomes one of India’s youngest Test captains, we take a look at the top 10 youngest Test skippers in cricket history and where Indian legends like Sachin, Kapil and Kohli stand.
Shubman Gill: Ushering a New Era for Team India
Shubman Gill is now the fifth youngest Indian to captain a Test team. Set to lead India in the five-match series against England from June 20, 2025, Gill takes the reins at just 24 years and 262 days. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from red-ball cricket, Gill’s leadership signals the dawn of a fresh chapter. Known for his calm demeanour and stylish batting, the young opener is expected to bring energy and a modern approach to the traditional format.
Top 10 Youngest Captains in Test History
Here’s a look at the youngest players who have captained a Test team, ranked by their age on debut:
1.Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 20 years, 350 days
vs Bangladesh – 5 Sept 2019
2. Tatenda Taibu (Zimbabwe) – 20 years, 358 days
vs Sri Lanka – 6 May 2004
3. Nawab of Pataudi (India) – 21 years, 77 days
vs West Indies – 23 Mar 1962
4. Waqar Younis (Pakistan) – 22 years, 15 days
vs Zimbabwe – 1 Dec 1993
5. Graeme Smith (South Africa) – 22 years, 82 days
vs Bangladesh – 24 Apr 2003
6. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – 22 years, 115 days
vs West Indies – 17 Jul 2009
7. Ian Craig (Australia) – 22 years, 194 days
vs South Africa – 23 Dec 1957
8. Javed Miandad (Pakistan) – 22 years, 260 days
vs Australia – 27 Feb 1980
9. Murray Bisset (South Africa) – 22 years, 306 days
vs England – 14 Feb 1899
10. Mohammad Ashraful (Bangladesh) – 22 years, 353 days
vs Sri Lanka – 25 Jun 2007
India’s Youngest Test Captain: A Royal Beginning
The honour of being India’s youngest Test captain belongs to Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, also known as the Nawab of Pataudi. He led India in 1962 at just 21 years and 77 days, setting a record that remains untouched to this day. Despite his youth, he led with maturity, setting the tone for future Indian captains.
Other notable Indian captains and their debut ages:
Legacy of Young Leaders
While youth brings energy and bold ideas, leading a Test side also demands composure and strategic thinking. Players like Graeme Smith, Virat Kohli and Rashid Khan have shown that age is not a barrier to success. With Gill now stepping into the role, fans are eager to see how this young leader shapes the future of Indian Test cricket.
From the royal confidence of Pataudi to the modern flair of Gill, India’s leadership journey in Test cricket has been marked by moments of bold transition. As the baton passes to a younger generation, the stage is set for a new brand of leadership - one that blends tradition with innovation.
Shubman Gill: Ushering a New Era for Team India
Shubman Gill is now the fifth youngest Indian to captain a Test team. Set to lead India in the five-match series against England from June 20, 2025, Gill takes the reins at just 24 years and 262 days. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from red-ball cricket, Gill’s leadership signals the dawn of a fresh chapter. Known for his calm demeanour and stylish batting, the young opener is expected to bring energy and a modern approach to the traditional format. Top 10 Youngest Captains in Test History
Here’s a look at the youngest players who have captained a Test team, ranked by their age on debut:
1.Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 20 years, 350 days
vs Bangladesh – 5 Sept 2019
2. Tatenda Taibu (Zimbabwe) – 20 years, 358 days
vs Sri Lanka – 6 May 2004
3. Nawab of Pataudi (India) – 21 years, 77 days
vs West Indies – 23 Mar 1962
4. Waqar Younis (Pakistan) – 22 years, 15 days
vs Zimbabwe – 1 Dec 1993
5. Graeme Smith (South Africa) – 22 years, 82 days
vs Bangladesh – 24 Apr 2003
6. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – 22 years, 115 days
vs West Indies – 17 Jul 2009
7. Ian Craig (Australia) – 22 years, 194 days
vs South Africa – 23 Dec 1957
8. Javed Miandad (Pakistan) – 22 years, 260 days
vs Australia – 27 Feb 1980
9. Murray Bisset (South Africa) – 22 years, 306 days
vs England – 14 Feb 1899
10. Mohammad Ashraful (Bangladesh) – 22 years, 353 days
vs Sri Lanka – 25 Jun 2007
India’s Youngest Test Captain: A Royal Beginning
The honour of being India’s youngest Test captain belongs to Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, also known as the Nawab of Pataudi. He led India in 1962 at just 21 years and 77 days, setting a record that remains untouched to this day. Despite his youth, he led with maturity, setting the tone for future Indian captains. Other notable Indian captains and their debut ages:
- Sachin Tendulkar – 23 years, 169 days
- Kapil Dev – 24 years, 48 days
- Ravi Shastri – 25 years, 229 days
- Virat Kohli – 26 years, 34 days
- Rohit Sharma – 34 years, 9 months
Legacy of Young Leaders
While youth brings energy and bold ideas, leading a Test side also demands composure and strategic thinking. Players like Graeme Smith, Virat Kohli and Rashid Khan have shown that age is not a barrier to success. With Gill now stepping into the role, fans are eager to see how this young leader shapes the future of Indian Test cricket.From the royal confidence of Pataudi to the modern flair of Gill, India’s leadership journey in Test cricket has been marked by moments of bold transition. As the baton passes to a younger generation, the stage is set for a new brand of leadership - one that blends tradition with innovation.
Next Story