Youngest Cricketers To Lead India In Tests

Poulomi Chakraborty

Shubman Gill, The New Test Captain Of India [Source: @ABDszn17/X]Shubman Gill, The New Test Captain Of India [Source: @ABDszn17/X]

Over the years, Team India has seen a line of remarkable Test captains who shaped its legacy. From CK Nayudu to Rohit Sharma, Team India created some best memories in the longest format.

With Rohit Sharma stepping away from Test cricket, Shubman Gill has stepped up as India’s 37th Test captain at just 25 years and 258 days old. Let’s explore who was the 5 youngest Test skipper of India.

5. Shubman Gill (25 Years 258 Days)

Over the past few years, Shubman Gill has become a crucial batter for the Indian side. After making his Test debut against Australia in 2019, he rose through the ranks quickly. In 32 matches, he scored 1893 runs along with five centuries. 

Now, as the upcoming Test series against England approaches, Gill has stepped up to captain the team, taking over from Rohit Sharma. This milestone makes him India’s fifth youngest Test captain ever.

4. Ravi Shastri (25 Years 229 Days)

In Indian cricket, Ravi Shastri is a prominent figure. The 1983 World Cup-winning member of Team India has served the national side with his brilliance. In 1988, Shastri took Team India’s captaincy against the West Indies in Chennai. He stunned the world after winning his debut match as the Indian captain. With that feat, he is the fourth youngest Test skipper to lead India.

3. Kapil Dev (24 Years 48 Days)

In the history of indian cricket, Kapil Dev is one of the most iconic figures. As a captain, he gave India its first-ever World Cup in 1983. But even as a Test skipper, he has showcased his excellence. 

At just 24 years and 48 days old, he took charge of the Test side against the mighty West Indies that same year, becoming the third youngest Test captain in India’s history.

2. Sachin Tendulkar ( 23 Years 169 Days)

Sachin Tendulkar, a legend known worldwide for his batting genius, also holds a lesser-celebrated chapter in Indian cricket history, his stint as Test captain. In 1996, at a young age, he took charge of the Indian team against Australia.

In 25 Tests, he led the country to 4 wins, 9 defeats, and 12 draws. With that, he became the second youngest Test captain in Indian cricket history.

1. Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi (21 Years 77 Days)

During the British era, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi became a symbol of pride for Indian cricket on the world stage. As he played 46 Test matches, he led the Indian side in 40 of them. In 1962, he took over the captaincy against the West Indies and began building a remarkable legacy. 

Under his leadership, Team India registered 9 victories, 19 losses, and 12 draws. To this day, he remains the youngest player to ever lead India in Test cricket.