Captaining a national cricket team from the front is a huge honor for any player, which is usually bestowed upon the ones with the best temperament to make quick outfield decisions. It's also a challenge for all cricketers, as every player aspires to the title, not everyone possesses the vision and leadership qualities required for the job.
However, Due to their impeccable performances and extraordinary talents, there have been many players who have achieved this feat early in their careers. Today, we bring to you the list of the Top 5 youngest captains of the game.
1) Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
The sensational Afghanistan all-rounder and ICC No2 T20 bowler is the youngest captain featured in the history of the game. On 4th March 2018, Rashid Khan first captained Afghanistan against Scotland at the age of only 19 years and 165 days old. Though he had a debut to forget as he failed with the bat and couldn't make an impact with the ball as Scotland won the match.
2) Rajin Saleh (Bangladesh)
Though not an extraordinary talent in the Bangladesh cricket circle, his passion and resilience were there for all to see as he traded blows, making an impact while batting and fielding. When he was only 20 years and 297 days old, Rajin Saleh first captained his national cricket team against South Africa on 12th September 2004 in the ICC Champions trophy which the Proteas won.
3) Anshuman Rath (Hong Kong)
Third, on the list is Anshuman Rath in the colors of Hong Kong. He first captained the cricketing team of Hong Kong in an ODI match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup on 16th September 2018, when he was only 20 years and 315 days old. Pakistan did win the match comfortably by 8 wickets and 158 balls to spare.
4) Tatenda Taibu (Zimbabwe)
A traditional style of wicketkeeper-batsman earmarked as the long-term successor to legendary Andy Flower. Tatenda Taibu became the skipper of the Zimbabwean cricket team on 20th April 2004, when he was only 20 years and 342 days. Though an impressive performance by the debutant captain almost scoring a century, Sri Lanka finished off the game easily.
5) Prosper Utseya (Zimbabwe)
The right arm spin bowler has always made an impact in limiting the runs scored by opposition, The former skipper of Zimbabwe Prosper Utseya became the captain of the cricket team for the first time when he was 21-years-old and 125 days against Bangladesh, which the Chevrons won by 2 wickets and 5 balls to spare.
Bestowed great responsibility at such a young age speaks of the remarkable talent and potential these cricketers possess. Having huge impacts for their respective cricketing nations, Let us know your comments on should captaincy be handed down to more young players.
