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When Rishabh Pant broke Tendulkar's record as youngest captain to lead in Ranji Trophy final

Poulomi Chakraborty

Rishabh Pant [Source: AFP]Rishabh Pant [Source: AFP]

India has gifted the world a long list of cricketing legends, and the Ranji Trophy has been the ultimate proving ground for them. This storied four-day red-ball competition tests not just talent, but temperament, patience, and skill, revealing which players have what it takes to shine on the international stage.

As each season comes up with some new boxes of surprises, the 2025-26 season of the tournament has welcomed the youngest-ever vice-captain, as Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been appointed as Bihar’s vice-captain. But have you ever wondered who was the youngest ever Ranji trophy captain to lead the team in the final?

While Sachin Tendulkar used to hold the record for years, another Indian wicketkeeper-batter shattered the milestone. Let's explore who the big name is.

When Pant broke record as India’s youngest Ranji Trophy captain in final

As the Ranji Trophy has brought out some of the best talents of Indian cricket, the tournament has never failed to deliver in talent. Among its most memorable performers is none other than the Master Blaster himself. Even as Sachin Tendulkar’s name became synonymous with records and milestones, his exploits in the Ranji Trophy were equally remarkable.

In the 1994-95 Ranji Trophy season, Sachin Tendulkar was appointed as Mumbai’s captain and secured a big record while taking over the role. Taking the reins at the age of 21 years and 337 days, he became the youngest ever captain to lead a side in a Ranji Trophy final. As the record was alive till Rishabh Pant arrived on the big stage.

In the 2017-18 season, Delhi’s captain Ishant Sharma was busy with international duty, and Pant took charge from the midway. Leading the team from mid-season, Pant guided Delhi all the way to the Ranji Trophy final at just 20 years and 86 days old, smashing Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record.

Even in defeat, Pant made his mark

Taking the reins in the middle, Pant guided Delhi throughout the knockout stage, and the side stormed into the final clash. Facing Vidarbha, the team's dream outing didn't quite materialise. Batting first, Pant's side got off to a solid start, thanks to Dhruv Shorey's heroics. Rising to the occasion, Shorey unleashed a thrilling century, crafting a brilliant 145-run innings and helping Delhi post a competitive total of 295.

As Vidarbha came to, the Delhi bowlers had a nightmare on the field. As the opponent batters raised their bat on high, Navdeep Saini secured a 5-wicket haul as the other bowlers contributed later. The chase became tougher in the second innings as Vidarbha put Delhi in front of a massive target.

Apart from Dhruv Shorey and Nitish Rana’s valiant efforts, no other batter made a mark, and Delhi ended their second innings in just 280 runs. Winning the prestigious Ranji Trophy final was just a matter of time as they scored 32 runs in 5 overs and secured their maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.

Even though Captain Pant's first-ever Ranji Trophy final started with a heartbreak, it was the beginning of an era in his career. Returning stronger the following season, he made his debut for the Indian national team and quickly established himself as a prodigious talent. Over time, Pant evolved into one of India's most iconic wicketkeeper-batters, blending fearless strokeplay with match-winning heroics that have defined a new era in Indian cricket.