“Age is just a number.” Sounds cliché, right? But in the IPL, it hits differently. When most players are still figuring out their roles, a few brave hearts take the reins of an entire franchise and lead from the front!
These are the youngest warriors who didn’t just play the game… they led it. Today, we’re diving deep into the Top 5 Youngest Captains in IPL History. From teenage takeovers to unexpected skippers, this list will blow your mind.
5. Shreyas Iyer – Age: 23 Years, 142 Days
Flashback to 2018. Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) were in a free fall one win in six games. Enter a fresh-faced Shreyas Iyer. At just 23 years and 142 days, the young Mumbaikar was handed the captain’s armband mid-season.
The pressure was insane. The expectations were sky-high. But Shreyas Iyer didn’t flinch. In that season, he won four games and went on to lead Delhi to back-to-back playoff appearances, even guiding them to a final in 2020. Fast forward to 2024, and he lifts the IPL trophy with Kolkata Knight Riders. Talk about a redemption arc.
4. Riyan Parag – Age: 23 Years, 133 Days
March 23, 2025. IPL fans were in for a surprise as Rajasthan Royals named a young stand-in captain: Riyan Parag, just 23 years and 133 days old. With Sanju Samson sidelined due to a finger injury, the captaincy baton was handed to the fiery Assamese all-rounder. His first challenge? Leading the team in a daunting chase of 287 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Tough debut.
The result may have been a loss, but Riyan’s intent, energy, and tactical instincts didn’t go unnoticed. Not every debut is a fairytale, but leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about stepping up when the odds are against you. And on that day, Riyan Parag certainly did.
3. Suresh Raina – Age: 23 Years, 112 Days
We all know Mr. IPL — Suresh Raina, the dynamic left-hander who lit up the league with his consistency and flair. But did you know he was also one of the youngest captains in IPL history? In 2010, when MS Dhoni missed a match due to injury, Raina stepped up to lead Chennai Super Kings at just 23 years and 112 days old. And like a true champion, he kicked off his captaincy with a win, scoring an unbeaten 49 against Delhi.
Over the years, Raina captained CSK in five matches and later took charge of the Gujarat Lions in 2016 and 2017, even guiding them to the playoffs in their debut season. Not just a run machine, but a silent leader who led by example—Raina’s legacy in the IPL goes far beyond the numbers
2. Steven Smith – Age: 22 Years, 344 Days
Plot twist: the only overseas player on this list.
Back in 2012, with just one game left in the season, Pune Warriors needed a fresh face to lead after Sourav Ganguly stepped down. That face? A young Steven Smith, just 22 years and 344 days old. He didn’t win that game, but it was the beginning of something bigger.
What followed were multiple captaincy stints with Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiant. In total, Smith led in 43 IPL matches and won 25 of them. His story? From a one-off stand-in to a trusted franchise leader. That’s evolution.
1. Virat Kohli – Age: 22 Years, 187 Days
The year was 2011. Kohli was just 22 years and 187 days old when he stepped in as captain for Royal Challengers Bangalore after Daniel Vettori was ruled out. In his short stint that season, he led the team to two wins and one loss — a glimpse of the leader he was becoming.
Fast forward to 2013, Kohli was named RCB’s full-time captain and held the role until 2021. Over those years, he led the team in 143 matches, winning 66, and carved a lasting legacy in IPL history. He may not have lifted the trophy (yet), but his leadership journey began young — and strong..
These are the fearless five who took the helm way before the world expected. Some succeeded instantly, others took time. But one thing’s clear age never defines leadership in the IPL. Whether it’s Kohli’s early days, Riyan’s surprise debut, or Smith’s one-match wonder, these stories prove that pressure creates diamonds and the IPL has seen many shine young.
Written by RITESH SINGH
