5 Youngest Captains In IPL

Akshita Patel

Top 5 Youngest Captains In IPL [Source: @Trend_VKohli, @academy_dinda/X.com]Top 5 Youngest Captains In IPL [Source: @Trend_VKohli, @academy_dinda/X.com]

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a land of opportunities for budding cricketers in India. The franchise league was first set up in 2008 with an aim to foster promising talent and build a future.

In the last 18 years, IPL has served its purpose by giving India many match-winners and modern-day legendary cricketers. Apart from batting and bowling talents, the IPL has also fostered great leaders.

Many cricketers began their captaincy journey at a young age and went on to set examples as leaders. Here let's explore five youngest captains to serve IPL in its rich history.

5. Riyan Parag - 23 Years, 4 Months, 10 Days

 Riyan Parag [Source: @academy_dinda/X.com] Riyan Parag [Source: @academy_dinda/X.com]

Riyan Parag, the promising youngster of Rajasthan Royals (RR), was appointed as stand-in captain for the team at the start of the IPL 2025 season. Regular skipper Sanju Samson was coming off an index finger injury and made himself unavailable for the first three games. Moreover, amid a squad filled with big names, Samson trusted Parag with the leadership role and RR appointed him as captain for the first 3 games of the season. 

4. Suresh Raina - 23 Years, 3 Months, 22 Days

Suresh Raina [Source: @Kirthika_1994/X.com]Suresh Raina [Source: @Kirthika_1994/X.com]

A vital part of Chennai Super Kings, Suresh Raina was often MS Dhoni’s deputy. In 2010, when Dhoni missed an away fixture against Delhi Daredevils, Raina took over and became a captain at 23 years of age. 

He played a crucial role, scoring 49 runs in a successful 186-run chase. Raina later captained Gujarat Lions when CSK and Rajasthan Royals were suspended for two seasons. Under his leadership, Gujarat topped the league stage in 2016 but lost in the second qualifier. 

3. Shreyas Iyer - 23 Years, 3 Months, 21 Days

Shreyas Iyer [Source: @Mustafamoudi/X.com]Shreyas Iyer [Source: @Mustafamoudi/X.com]

Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy career began in IPL 2018 when Delhi Capitals’ then-captain Gautam Gambhir benched himself due to poor form. At just 23 years, 3 months, and 21 days, Iyer took charge and announced himself with an unbeaten 93. Under his leadership, Delhi reached the playoffs in IPL 2019, their first such qualification in seven years. 

In 2020, Iyer led Delhi to their maiden IPL final, where they lost to Mumbai Indians. However, a shoulder injury ruled him out of IPL 2021, forcing Delhi to appoint Rishabh Pant as captain. Even after Iyer’s return, the franchise stuck with Pant. Iyer later moved to Kolkata Knight Riders and led them to a title victory in 2024.

2. Steve Smith - 22 Years, 11 Months, 9 Days

Steve Smith [Source: @Arnavv43/X.com]Steve Smith [Source: @Arnavv43/X.com]

Steve Smith’s IPL journey had its ups and downs. In 2012, he was picked by Pune Warriors India (PWI) as a replacement for Mitchell Marsh. PWI struggled throughout the season, leading to captain Sourav Ganguly stepping down. 

Smith was handed the leadership role and, despite not winning that match, became one of the youngest captains in IPL history at the age of 22. He later led Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiant, where he had the rare distinction of captaining MS Dhoni. Smith also briefly led the Delhi Capitals. 

1. Virat Kohli - 22 Years, 4 Months, 6 Days

Virat Kohli [Source: 100MB]Virat Kohli [Source: 100MB]

Having led the India U-19 team to World Cup glory in 2008, Virat Kohli had natural leadership qualities. However, with veterans like Anil Kumble, Kevin Pietersen, and Rahul Dravid in the squad, he had to wait for his opportunity. In 2011, when RCB’s then-captain Daniel Vettori was injured, Kohli was asked to step up at just 22 years, 4 months, and 6 days. 

Kohli's first match as IPL captain saw RCB defeat Rajasthan Royals. Kohli led RCB in three matches that season, winning two. It wasn't until 2013 that he was made the full-time captain and he held that role till 2021 before relinquishing the captaincy role.