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From Virat Kohli to Riyan Parag: Top 5 youngest captains in IPL history

The Indian Premier League has produced some great cricket leaders like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Suresh Raina. Here are the five youngest captains in IPL history.

Chankesh Rao | Mar 20, 2025, 09:29 PM IST

1.Riyan Parag - 23 Years, 133 Days

Riyan Parag - 23 Years, 133 Days
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Rajasthan Royals' Riyan Parag has been appointed stand-in captain for the start of the IPL 2025 season due to regular captain Sanju Samson's injury. Parag will lead the team in the first three matches, showcasing Samson's confidence in him. 

 

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2.Suresh Raina - 23 Years, 112 Days

Suresh Raina - 23 Years, 112 Days
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Suresh Raina has always been a key player for the Chennai Super Kings, often stepping in as MS Dhoni’s right-hand man. Back in 2010, when Dhoni was sidelined for an away game against the Delhi Daredevils, Raina took the reins as captain at just 23 years old.

He made a significant impact, scoring 49 runs to help secure a thrilling 186-run chase. Later on, when CSK and Rajasthan Royals faced suspension for two seasons, Raina led the Gujarat Lions. Under his guidance, Gujarat shone in the league stage in 2016, although they fell short in the second qualifier.

3.Shreyas Iyer - 23 Years, 142 Days

Shreyas Iyer - 23 Years, 142 Days
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Shreyas Iyer took on the role of captain for Delhi Capitals during IPL 2018, leading them to their first playoff appearance in seven years. Despite reaching the IPL final in 2020, a shoulder injury sidelined Iyer in 2021, leading to Rishabh Pant taking over as captain. When Iyer returned, he joined Kolkata Knight Riders and led them to a championship victory in 2024.

 

4.Steve Smith - 22 Years, 344 Days

Steve Smith - 22 Years, 344 Days
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Steve Smith had a mixed journey in the IPL, starting in 2012 when he was chosen as a replacement for Mitchell Marsh by Pune Warriors India. After Sourav Ganguly stepped down as captain, Smith became one of the youngest captains in IPL history at 22. He later captained Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, and briefly led Delhi Capitals, even having the rare opportunity to captain MS Dhoni.

 

5.Virat Kohli - 22 Years, 187 Days

Virat Kohli - 22 Years, 187 Days
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Virat Kohli showed leadership qualities from a young age, leading the India U-19 team to World Cup victory in 2008. Despite having to wait for his chance to captain, he finally got the opportunity in 2011 when RCB's captain was injured. Kohli's first match as IPL captain was a win against Rajasthan Royals, and he went on to lead RCB in three matches that season, winning two. He became the full-time captain in 2013 and held the role until 2021 before stepping down.

 

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