The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed several young cricketers stepping up as captains at an early age. Leading an IPL team is a huge responsibility, but some players have taken on the challenge with confidence.
The youngest captain in IPL history is Virat Kohli, who led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at just 22 years and 4 months in 2011. He initially took over in the absence of Daniel Vettori and later became RCB’s full-time captain in 2013.
Steve Smith became the second-youngest IPL captain when he led Pune Warriors India in 2012 at 22 years and 11 months. He took charge in place of Sourav Ganguly and displayed strong leadership skills.
Suresh Raina also made history by captaining Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at 23 years and 112 days in 2010, filling in for MS Dhoni. He later led the Gujarat Lions in 2016. These young captains proved their leadership skills early in their careers.
Top 5 Youngest Captains in IPL History
Here are the youngest captains in IPL history, from Virat Kohli to Shreyas Iyer, who led their teams at a young age.
#1. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 2011)
Source: Mid-day
- First match as captain: RCB vs Rajasthan Royals, Jaipur
- Age: 22 years, 187 days
Virat Kohli got his first chance to captain Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2011 when regular skipper Daniel Vettori was sidelined due to a knee injury. Already a key player for India, Kohli was the natural choice to lead.
His captaincy started well with two consecutive wins, but RCB later suffered a heavy 111-run defeat against Kings XI Punjab. Though Kohli officially became RCB’s full-time captain in 2013, he went on to lead the team in 143 IPL matches.
#2. Steve Smith (Pune Warriors, 2012)
Source: Pro Batsmen
- First match as captain: Pune Warriors vs RCB, Pune
- Age: 22 years, 344 days
Steve Smith led Pune Warriors for a single match in IPL 2012. He was originally unsold in the auction, but Pune Warriors, who had skipped the auction due to issues with the BCCI, signed him before the season. The team struggled throughout the season and finished last.
Towards the end of the tournament, Sourav Ganguly stepped down as captain, and Smith, who had experience leading the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, took over. Later, he captained the Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiant.
#3. Suresh Raina (Chennai Super Kings, 2010)
Source: NDTV Sports
- First match as captain: CSK vs Delhi Daredevils, Delhi
- Age: 23 years, 112 days
In IPL 2010, MS Dhoni suffered an arm injury after being hit by a Shane Bond delivery, and Suresh Raina stepped in as captain for three matches.
He played a key role in his first game, scoring 49 not out in a tough chase against Delhi Daredevils, but CSK lost the next two matches under his leadership. Raina later captained the Gujarat Lions for two seasons (2016 and 2017) and led CSK again briefly in 2019.
#4. Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals, 2025)
Source: OneCricket
- First match as captain: Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2025
- Age: 23 years, 133 days
Riyan Parag, who has been part of the IPL for six years, will captain the Rajasthan Royals in the first three matches of IPL 2025. Sanju Samson, recovering from finger surgery, will play only as a batter, giving Parag the opportunity to lead.
He has captained Assam in domestic cricket and had an impressive 2024 IPL season, scoring 573 runs and making his India debut. His leadership role with the Royals is a well-deserved reward.
#5. Shreyas Iyer (Delhi Daredevils, 2018)
Source: NDTV Sports
- First match as captain: DD vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi
- Age: 23 years, 142 days
In IPL 2018, Delhi Daredevils had a poor start, losing five of their first six matches. Gautam Gambhir, struggling with form, decided to step down as captain, and Shreyas Iyer took over.
Though the team finished last that season, they ended on a high with wins against the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
Iyer remained the franchise's captain until 2021 before moving to KKR. In IPL 2025, he will lead the Punjab Kings, making him only the second Indian, after Ajinkya Rahane, to captain three different IPL teams.
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