Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant scored another eye-catch, scintillating test match hundred for India yesterday when the team was in dire straits against England and the ball was moving around quite a bit. It was the 5th time that Pant crossed the three-figure mark in Test cricket.
Rishabh Pant after smashing Century against England Image - ICC
It was not just the runs that Rishabh Pant scored, the pace at which he scored those runs, he ensured that from a bothersome situation of 98 for 5, India recovered to get themselves to a stage where it was all even stevens when the umpires declared the end of the day's play yesterday.
On his way to his hundred, Rishabh Pant also broke the records of two of the stalwarts of Indian cricket, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni.
MS Dhoni had held the record of scoring the fastest test match hundred by an Indian wicketkeeper-batsman previously, as he had scored a 93-ball hundred against Pakistan in Faisalabad 16 years ago. It was also the first-ever hundred of Dhoni's test career.
Pant got past that record as he completed his hundred in just 89 balls at Edgbaston with 15 fours and a six to his name. The left-hander upped the ante even more after getting to the three-figure mark as he smashed his subsequent 46 runs off just 22 balls with four fours and three more sixes before eventually getting dismissed by Joe Root.
Rishabh Pant becomes the youngest Indian batsman to hit 100 sixes in international cricket
During his innings, Pant also broke the record held by the little master Sachin Tendulkar as the youngest Indian batsman to hit 100 sixes in international cricket. Sachin had completed 100 sixes in international cricket at the age of 25, while Pant did it yesterday at the age of just 24 years and 271 days.
It's quite an amusing stat that Pant has actually hit more sixes in test match cricket than he has hit in any other format. As opposed to the 48 sixes that Pant has hit in the longest format of the game, he has hit only 24 sixes in ODIs and 31 in T20Is.
ENG vs IND: England announce squad for the first Test against India
England have named a 14-member squad for the first Test of ENG vs IND starting 20 June at Headingley, Leeds, with experienced pacer Chris Woakes making a return to red-ball cricket.
The England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday announced a 14-member squad for the first Test of the five-match series against India. The ENG vs IND five-match Test series is starting from June 20. The first match will be played at Headingley on June 20, 2025.
Fast bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton has returned. He has been included in the team in place of injured Gus Atkinson. Jamie has returned after the match against New Zealand in June 2022.
Atkinson was unavailable for selection due to a right hamstring injury suffered during the Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.
Carse, Woakes included in the squad
Fast bowlers Brydon Carse, Jacob Bethell and Chris Woakes have also been named in the squad, who last played during the New Zealand Test tour in December. The India A side are already in the United Kingdom, playing warm-up games against England Lions.
Woakes, known for his effectiveness in home conditions, especially at Lord’s, last featured prominently in 2018 against India, where he claimed four wickets and smashed an unbeaten 137.
Young spinner Shoaib Bashir, who starred with nine wickets against Zimbabwe, retains his spot as the lone specialist spinner. IPL winner Jacob Bethell and seamer Sam Cook, both of whom impressed recently, have also earned call-ups.
Ben Stokes to lead the team
England will field a significantly altered team compared to the last time they faced India in early 2024. James Anderson has since retired, while Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes and Ollie Robinson are the other notable absentees from the squad.
Ben Stokes, who returned from a hamstring injury in that Zimbabwe Test, will lead England against India in a five-match series that marks the start of both teams’ campaigns in the new ICC World Test Championship cycle.
23-27 July 2025 - Fourth Test, Emirates Old Trafford
31 July-4 August 2025 - Fifth Test, Kia Oval
ENG vs IND | England full squad
Ben Stokes (c), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.
Every year, the Indian Premier League witnesses some incredible amounts of talent. To recognize that talent, the "IPL Emerging Player of the Year" award is given to a young player who has excelled throughout the competition. This season is also not different. Many young players showed their potential throughout the competition. In this Article, We'll look at the players who have won the IPL Emerging Player of the Season Award from the inaugural edition to the 2024 season.
The player should have been born after 1st April 1996.
Also, the player in contention should not have played more than 25 IPL matches at the start of an IPL season.
The player should not have played more than 20 ODIs and 5 Test matches.
The player in contention should not have won the award previously.
The slogan of theIndian Premier League is "Yatra Pratibha Avsara Prapnotihi," which translates to "Where talent meets opportunity." It explains a lot about the motto of the tournament as it provides a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent to the entire world.
Shreevats Goswami from Royal Challengers Bangalore became the first player to win the Emerging Player of the Season award in IPL 2008 while Rohit Sharma won it in the 2009 edition playing for Deccan Chargers. Mustafizur Rahman is the only foreign player to claim the award so far, winning it in the 2016 season.
MI's Saurabh Tiwary won the award in 2010 while CSK's Iqbal Abdullah won it in 2011. Both players struggled after getting the award as they failed to replicate their heroics going ahead in their careers.
The other prominent names to win the award are Sanju Samson (2013), Axar Patel (2014), Shreyas Iyer (2015), Rishabh Pant (2018), Shubman Gill (2019) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (2021). Speedster Umran Malik won the award in the 2022 season. Rajasthan Royals opener Yashasvi Jaiswal won the IPL 2023 Emerging Player of the Season Award. SRH's Nitish Kumar Reddy won the IPL 2024 Emerging Player of the Season Award.
IPL Emerging Player Winners List: From 2008 to 2023:
U19 World Cup winner Shreevats Goswami was the first player to win the Emerging Player Award. He played for RCB that year and played a few brilliant knocks. He scored 82 runs in that season in four matches to get the award.
IPL 2009: Rohit Sharma (Deccan Chargers)
Rohit Sharma was awarded the IPL Emerging Player of the Season award in 2009 | Image: X
Indian present captain Rohit Sharma already was coming after winning the T20 World Cup with India. In 2009, a young Rohit powered Deccan Chargers to their maiden IPL title. He scored 362 runs in 16 matches for his side and also picked up 11 wickets including a hat-trick. He later led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles. Rohit Sharma is the most successful player in terms of titles in IPL history.
IPL 2010: Saurabh Tiwary (Mumbai Indians)
Saurabh Tiwary was an excellent batsman for Mumbai Indians in 2010. He scored 419 runs and won the Emerging Player Award. The left-handed batter scored three fifties in that season. But, he couldn't replicate those performances in the following seasons.
IPL 2011: Iqbal Abdulla (Kolkata Knight Riders)
KKR's Iqbal Abdulla was one of the key players in Gautam Gambhir's first season at the franchise. The left-arm spinner picked up 16 wickets in the tournament and took the Knight Riders to the playoffs, a first in their history. Abdulla was a very strict bowler who didn't concede many runs. He was awarded the Emerging Player Award but wasn't able to replicate those performances in the next season.
IPL 2012: Mandeep Singh (Kings XI Punjab)
Punjab Kings were known as Kings XI Punjab back then and Mandeep Singh was a key performer for them in 2012. Mandeep scored 432 runs in the tournament at an average of 27 and was the highest scorer for Punjab in that season. He won the Emerging Player of the Season Award in the 2012 season and has played for multiple franchises since then.
IPL 2013: Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals)
Sanju Samson won the award in 2013 | Image: BCCI
Sanju Samson won the award in 2013. It was his breakthrough season at Rajasthan Royals and the Kerala-born scored 206 runs in that year. Rajasthan failed to advance to the playoffs but Samson was their brightest spark that season. He continued that performance in the following seasons and now he has become the skipper of that franchise. He also led Rajasthan to the Playoffs this season but couldn't qualify for the Final.
IPL 2014: Axar Patel (Kings XI Punjab)
Axar Patel was 20 years old in the 2014 season and he was exceptional to watch. Axar picked up 17 wickets in that season and Punjab also went to the Final of the tournament. Interestingly, that was the last time Punjab ever qualified for the playoffs. But, Axar has been one of the most brilliant spin bowlers in the history of the IPL. He currently plays for Delhi Capitals.
IPL 2015: Shreyas Iyer (Delhi Daredevils)
Shreyas Iyer won the Emerging player award in the 2015 IPL season | Image: BCCI
Shreyas Iyer and his journey in the IPL started with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). In the year 2015, which was Shreyas' first exposure to the league, the batter scored 439 runs in 14 matches and was the 4th highest Indian run-getter. He scored four half-centuries that season with a highest of 83 against Mumbai Indians. He is currently captaining KKR and they are in the Final of IPL 2024.
IPL 2016: Mustafizur Rahman (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Mustafizur Rahman is IPL's only foreign Emerging Player so far. The Bangladeshi pacer was phenomenal for Sunrisers in 2016 and was a key contributor in their title-winning campaign. He picked up 17 wickets in the season and had one of the best economies (6.90 rpo) that year. He has contributed so much doesn't matter which team it is. He played in the IPL 2024 season with Chennai and impressed the fans once again.
Kerala's Basil Thampi had a stellar season with Gujarat Lions in 2017. Gujarat Lions replaced one of the suspended franchises Rajasthan Royals (2016 and 2017). Thampi picked up 11 wickets in that season and the Lions played the playoffs. However, they couldn't win the title. Basil wasn't able to replicate those performances in the following seasons that's why he is without a team right now.
IPL 2018: Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals)
Rishabh Pant scored 684 runs in the IPL 2018 season | Image: BCCI
Rishabh Pant was the 2nd highest run scorer in IPL 2018 with 684 runs for the Delhi Capitals. He was amazing for DC that season and scored with a Strike Rate of 173.6. His best knock that year came against SRH when he scored a superb 128 off just 63 balls. The left-handed wicketkeeper batter has grown so much since then and is now the captain of Delhi. He has won them so many matches and also is a key player of the Indian squad in all three formats.
IPL 2019: Shubman Gill (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Shubman Gill won the Emerging Player of the Season award in the 2019 season | Image: BCCI
Shubman Gill won the award in 2019 after scoring 296 runs in 14 matches at an average of 32. He was excellent for the Knight Riders that season including three half-centuries. He is currently captaining Gujarat Titans and also won the Orange Cap in the 2023 season. Gill is also an important member of the Indian squad.
Devdutt Padikkal was the highest run-getter for RCB in 2020. The left-handed batter scored 473 runs in 15 matches including five fifties. But, since then he has failed to replicate those performances.
IPL 2021: Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings)
Gaikwad won the Orange Cap and Emerging Player of the Season Award both in the IPL 2021 season | Image: BCCI
It didn't start well for Ruturaj Gaikwad in 2021. But the Chennai Super Kings batter made a brilliant comeback and scored 635 runs for his team that season including 4 fifties. Gaikwad was 24 that season and since then he has become a key part of Chennai's squad. He is also the captain of Chennai Super Kings.
IPL 2022: Umran Malik (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Umran Malik caused a lot of distress among batters in IPL 2022 with his raw pace. The SRH pacer was excellent with 22 wickets for them that season and won the Emerging Player Award. He also got an India call-up after his IPL heroics but couldn't do the same there. He also had a poor 2023 campaign in the IPL and due to that, didn't get enough opportunities in the 2024 season.
IPL 2023: Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rajasthan Royals)
Yashaswi Jaiswal won the IPL 2023 Emerging Player of the Season Award | Image: BCCI
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 625 runs for Rajasthan Royals in the 2023 season. He was just 21 years old at that time. He scored five fifties and a superb hundred, which came against KKR. Jaiswal's brilliant batting took him to places in the last twelve months as he has made his place in the Indian Test team as well.
Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was awarded the Emerging Player title for the 2024 IPL season. The 21-year-old Nitish scored 303 runs at an average of 33.67 and a strike rate of 142.92, playing a crucial role in the SRH middle order. The right-handed batter’s best inning with the bat came against Rajasthan Royals, where he scored 76 runs in 42 deliveries with the help of 8 sixes. He also picked up three wickets while contributing with the bat.
IPL 2025: Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans)
Sai Sudharsan brushed off competition from Priyansh Arya, Noor Ahmad, and other youngsters and walked away with the Emerging Player of the Season award. Sudharsan ended at the top of the run-getters chart with 759 runs, ahead of Suryakumar, Shubman Gill, Mitchell Marsh and Virat Kohli. He had an average of 54.21, with a strike rate of 156.17, a century and six fifties.
Sai Sudharsan won the Orange Cap after a stellar season for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. So, let's look at all the Orange Cap winners in IPL since 2008.
The player who scores the most runs in a single season of the IPL wins the Orange Cap award. This award has been given to the highest run-scorers since the first season of the Indian Premier League (2008). Cricketers must consistently play some brilliant innings and deliver match-winning performances in a season to win the Orange Cap. So, let's look at all the Orange Cap winners in IPL since 2008.
Shaun Marsh (616 runs in 11 matches in 2008) was the first player to win the award.
The record for most runs in a single IPL season is held by Virat Kohli (973 runs in the 2016 edition).
David Warner has the record of winning the Orange Cap the most number of times (3).
Rules for Orange Cap:
The Orange Cap is awarded to the leading run-scorer of the IPL season.
The batsman who holds the Orange Cap during the season is allowed to wear it while in the field during the games, as long as he holds the top-scorer spot in the tournament.
In a season where two or more batsmen are tied on runs, the batsman with a better strike rate is awarded the Orange Cap.
In a season where an opposition batsman overtakes the tally of the current holder of the Orange Cap, the previous holder is allowed to wear the Cap until the end of that particular innings in which another batsman overtakes him.
Orange Cap winners list in IPL since 2008
2008 - Shaun Marsh
Shaun Marsh won the Orange Cap in the inaugural IPL season | Image: X
Shaun Marsh from Punjab Kings is the Orange Cap winner of the inaugural edition of the IPL. The Australian batsman started the IPL journey with a bang. He scored 616 runs in only 11 matches with an average of 68.4 and a strike rate of 139.68. His 616 runs include 1 century and 5 half-centuries.
2009 - Matthew Hayden
Matthew Hayden was the top run-scorer in the 2009 season | Image: X
The next Orange Cap winner is Matthew Hayden. Even after his international retirement from the Australian Cricket team in early 2009, he proved his worth in that season. He showed a spectacular performance and scored a total of 572 runs in 12 matches. In the 2nd edition of IPL, he played for Chennai Super Kings and scored 5 half-centuries with an average of 52 and a strike rate of 144.81.
2010 - Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar won the Orange Cap in the 2010 season | Image: IPL
The God of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar has also enlisted his name in this list of Orange Cap winners. In the 2010 IPL, the then captain of Mumbai Indians aggregated 618 runs including 5 half-centuries in 15 matches. He represented his team in the best way possible and took the team to the final as well but unfortunately, MI finished their journey as runners-up after losing against CSK in the finals. In the 3rd edition of IPL, he played in 15 matches with an average of 47.53 and a strike rate of 132.61
2011 - Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle won the 2011 Orange Cap | Image: Getty
What is a list of top T20 scorers without Chris Gayle? It is incomplete indeed. Chris Gayle is undoubtedly one of the best players in the T20 format and one of the greatest hitters in all the formats of cricket. In the 2011 IPL, he scored a massive 608 runs in only 12 matches. One of his most distinguished factors is his strike rate. He played with a strike rate of 183.13 which is the highest of any Orange Cap winners in the tournament. Also, his total runs include 2 centuries and 3 half-centuries with an average of 67.55.
2012 - Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle was the top run-scorer in the 2012 season | Image: Getty
In the very next year, Chris Gayle again created several storms on the field and became the top run-scorer in the IPL 2012 season. No one could ever dare to come in the way of his extreme rise in the T20 format. In the 4th edition of IPL, the Jamaican cricketer scored a massive 733 runs including 1 century and 7 half-centuries in 15 matches. He played with an average of 61.08 and a strike rate of 160.74.
Michael Hussey won the Orange Cap in the 2013 season | Image: Getty
Michael Hussey, popularly known as Mr cricket has also made his name into this list with 733 runs in 17 matches. The Orange Cap winner of the 2013 IPL smashed 6 half-centuries with an average of 52.5 and a strike rate of 129.5. He made a huge contribution to CSK's entry into the finals. Unfortunately, MI won the title of the season.
2014 - Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa was the top run-scorer in the 2014 season | Image: X
One of the impactful players of IPL 2014 was Robin Uthappa. He played a key role in taking Kolkata Knight Riders into the finals and also winning their second title. Uthappa played in 16 matches and scored 660 runs including 5 half-centuries with an average of 44 and a strike rate of 137.78.
2015 - David Warner
David Warner won the Orange Cap in the 2015 season | Image: X
David Warner of Sunrisers Hyderabad was the Orange Cap winner of IPL 2015. The team played their debut match in 2013 and Warner made 2015 a good season for the team and the fans by scoring 562 runs in 14 matches. His total runs also include 7 half-centuries with an average of 43.23 and a strike rate of 156.54
2016 - Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli won the Orange Cap in the 2016 season | Image: Getty
A list of achievements by batsmen is incomplete without the King of Cricket Virat Kohli. The captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore is the highest run-scorer in a single edition of IPL. In 2016 IPL he smashed 4 centuries and 7 half-centuries to aggregate a total of 973 runs in 16 matches. In that season, he played with an average of 81.08 and a strike rate of 152.03. The 2016 IPL has been a good year for the team as they made it to the finals but unfortunately could not win the title.
2017 - David Warner
David Warner was the top run-scorer in the 2017 IPL season | Image: SRH/X
Once again David Warner had a spectacular season in the marquee T20 league and became the Orange Cap winner of IPL 2017. The captain of the defending winning team smashed 641 runs including 1 century and 4 half-centuries in 14 matches. He played with an average of 58.27 and a strike rate of 141.81.
Kane Williamson was the 2018 top run-scorer in the IPL | Image: Getty
IPL 2018 changed the T20 career of the New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. Before the season, he was not that appreciated as an impactful T20 player. But he utilized the opportunity and gave his best and proved his worth to everyone as a great batsman in all three formats. In 17 matches, he scored 735 runs including 8 half-centuries with an average of 52.5 and a strike rate of 142.44. The captain represented the team and took it to the final as well as won the Orange Cap.
2019 - David Warner
David Warner was the top run-scorer in the 2019 IPL season | Image: Getty
The only cricketer to win the Orange Cap 3 times in IPL history is none other than David Warner. He achieved this milestone in IPL 2019 by scoring 692 runs in 12 matches. He smashed 1 century and 8 half-centuries to score a total of 692 runs with an average of 69.2 and a strike rate of 143.86. His impactful performances along with his opening partner Jonny Bairstow took the team to the playoffs in IPL 2019 but unfortunately, they did not win the title.
2020 - KL Rahul
Kl Rahul was the top run-scorer in the 2020 IPL season | Image: iplt20.com
The skipper of Punjab Kings, Kl Rahul won the 2019 Orange Cap. He and his teammates were unable to end the journey on a good note but the captain made sure to glorify the team's name and became the highest run-scorer of the season. In 14 matches he scored 670 runs with an average of 55.83 and a strike rate of 129.34. His whopping 670 runs also include 1 century and 5 half-centuries.
2021 - Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad won the Orange Cap in the 2021 season | Image: BCCI
Chennai Super Kings's present skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad won the IPL 2021 orange cao for his sensational batting. He scored 635 runs in 16 innings at an average of 45.35. He was one of the few reasons CSK won their fourth IPL title in 2021. Gaikwad struck 4 half-centuries and one century that season with a best score of 101 not out.
2022 - Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler was the top run-scorer in the 2022 season | Image: BCCI
Jos Buttler was just unbelievable in the IPL 2022 season. Rajasthan didn't win the title but Buttler won hearts. He struck 863 runs in 17 innings at an average of 57.53 with 4 centuries and as many as half-centuries. He also became the second batter after Virat Kohli to score 4 centuries in a single IPL season. Buttler also struck a whooping 45 sixes that season, the fourth highest by a player in a season of the Indian cash-rich league.
2023 - Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill won the Orange Cap in the 2023 season | Image: iplt20.com
Gujarat Titans' present captain Shubman Gill had a season to remember in IPL 2023. He broke several records and won the prestigious Orange Cap. Gill finished as the leading run-scorer, amassing 890 runs in only 17 matches. He played big knocks in pivotal moments in the tournament to guide his side to back-to-back IPL finals. However, MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings clinched their fifth IPL title by defeating GT in the final. Gill’s 890 runs came at an impressive average of 59.33 and a strike rate of 157.80 while scoring three centuries and four fifties.
2024 - Virat Kohli
The 2024 was a brilliant season for Virat Kohli with the bat and he finished at the top of the highest run-getter charts in the Indian Premier League. He couldn't take RCB to the Final but did his part with the bat. RCB qualified for the playoffs after making a stupendous comeback, winning all their last six group-stage matches and lots of credit goes to Kohli. But, they got knocked out of the tournament after losing to Rajasthan in the Eliminator. Virat scored 741 runs at a spectacular average of 61.75 and a great strike rate of 154.69 which includes five half-centuries and one century. He was by far the best batsman of the 2024 season and won his second-ever orange cap in the history of the competition.
2025 - Sai Sudharsan
Sai Sudharsan won the Orange Cap after a stellar season for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. It was the form of their top three that powered GT’s run to the playoffs this season and Sudharsan led the way in a lineup that included his captain Shubman Gill and an all-time T20 great in Jos Buttler. Sudharsan finished the season with 759 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.21 and maintained a strike rate of 156.17. He scored six half-centuries and one century.
Shreyas Iyer's stunning 87* runs against MI in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 puts him at the forefront of most 50+ scores as a captain in IPL playoffs. Explore the complete list and key performances!
In a crucial stage like IPL playoffs, captains are expected to not only lead their team but also deliver crucial performances. The ability to score big when the team need you the most sets certain leaders apart.
We bring you the most 50+ scoresas a captain in IPL playoffs. See how Shreyas Iyer is leading this elite group with being the exceptional captain that he is.
1. Shreyas Iyer (3 times) | DC, KKR, PBKS
Shreyas Iyer during his unbeaten 87 vs MI in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2. Image | Instagram
Shreyas Iyer has swiftly risen as a captain who performs under pressure in IPL playoffs. He holds an exceptional record of being the only captain to lead 3 different franchises to the final (Delhi Capitals in 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, and Punjab Kings in 2025).
He has also delivered 50+ scores thrice for his team in IPL playoffs. Here's a breakdown of that:
65* vs MI (Final, IPL 2020): An unbeaten 65* off 50 balls in the vital match while captaining DC, which came off when the team's top-order collapsed early. Despite their defeat in that match, Iyer's knock helped them reach a hopeful total.
58* vs SRH (Qualifier 1, IPL 2024): A captain's knock of 58* runs (from 24 balls) that set the tone for KKR's successful victory in the Q1 and led them into the finals.
87* vs MI (Qualifier 2, IPL2025): From handling Bumrah's brilliant yorkers and turning them into boundaries, to keeping the asking rate down with towering sixes, this man has done it all in this match under pressure! Iyer's 87* off 41 balls (featuring five 4s and eight 6s) took PBKS to the final after 11 long years.
Rohit Sharma hitting a six against DC in IPL 2020 Final. Image | NDTV
The five-time IPL winning captain, Rohit Sharma, holds a place with his 2 times delivering 50+ scores as a captain in IPL playoffs, playing for Mumbai Indians.
He scored both of them in Finals, contributing to MI's title-winning years. Here's a breakdown of that:
50 vs CSK (Final, IPL 2015): Helped MI set a strong total with his 50 runs off just 26 balls, showcasing his leadership in the team's title-winning efforts for the 2nd time in IPL.
68 vs DC (Final, IPL 2020): Played a captain's knock of 68 runs (from 51 balls) to control the chase and secure their 5th IPL title.
3. MS Dhoni (2 times) | CSK
Dhoni in action against DC in IPL 2012 Qualifier 2. Image | NDTV
One of the most successful captains in IPL history, MS Dhoni has played a significant role with the bat along with wicket-keeping and strategising overall. He scored 50+ knocks 2times as a captain in IPL playoffs for Chennai Super Kings.
He scored both of them against MI, in different IPL seasons. Here's a breakdown of that:
51* vs MI (Eliminator, IPL 2012): Dhoni's explosive knock of 51* runs from just 20 balls helped CSK post a competitive total which eventually converted to a victory.
63* vs MI (Final, IPL 2013): In a hard-fought final against MI, his unbeaten 63 off 45 balls kept the hopes alive for CSK, but fell short of 23 runs in the end.
David Warner celebrating after his match-winning 93 against GL in IPL 2016 Qualifier 2. Image | Instagram
David Warner was a dominant force at the top of the order for Sunrisers Hyderabad and an equally good captain. He delivered many impactful performances throughout, along with 50+ scores 2 times in playoffs.
He scored both of them in IPL 2016, the season when SRH became champions. Here's a breakdown of that:
93* vs GL (Qualifier 2, IPL 2016): A sensational match-winning knock of 93* runs off 58 balls when the team needed it the most. He single-handedly chased down and took the match out of a poor situation, securing the win.
69 vs RCB (Final, IPL 2016): A classy knock in the final of the same season, where his explosive 69 runs (off 38 balls) helped SRH set 208 runs on board. They successfully defended and lifted their maiden IPL title by winning that match.
Journey through Indian Test cricket history to find out the 5 youngest cricketers to lead India in Tests. Learn about the early leadership and how the recently appointed test captain, Shubman Gill, joins this elite group.
In Test cricket, captaincy is often associated with experience and seasoned wisdom, which matters in the long format. However, young talents step up early and prove how they are worthy of leadership.
With Shubman Gill stepping up as the new test captain for India, let's take a moment to celebrate the youngest cricketers to lead India in tests.
Here we bring you the five youngest cricket to ever represent India in tests as a captain.
5. Shubman Gill (25 years 285 days) | 2025
Shubman Gill representing India in tests. Image | BBC
The newest nameto join this list of young Indian test captains is Shubman Gill. At the age of 25 years and 285 days, Gill became the 37th test captain of India, and is set to lead in the longest format of the game.
The Indian team will play under Gill's captaincy with the commencement of five-match test series against England on June 20, 2025. This was a major change in the test squad after the former captain, Rohit Sharma, along with Virat Kohli, announced retirement from tests.
Gill made his test debut against Australia in December 2020, and scored 1893 runs, with 5 centuries and 7 fifties so far. With this new turnaround in his career, he became the 5th youngest cricketer to lead India in tests.
Ravi Shastri representing India in tests. Image | ESPNcricinfo
A prominent all-rounder and later a successful coach for the Indian team, Ravi Shastri also briefly held the reins of Test captaincy. He took on the role at the age of 25 years and 229 days, when he led India against West Indies on January 11, 1988.
His captaincy tenure was limited to a single match, but it was a memorable one, as India secured a victory by 255 runs. Shastri scored 3830 runs and took 151 wickets in his test career, that spanned from 1981 to 1992.
3. Kapil Dev (24 years 48 days) | 1983
Kapil Dev representing India in tests. Image | NDTV
The legendary all-rounder, Kapil Dev stepped into test captaincy for India at the age of 24 years and 48 days. His first match as a captain was against West Indies on February 23, 1983.
Dev captained India in 34 matches and proved how he was worthy of the position with true leadership skills at such young age. He took 434 wickets and scored 5248 runs in his test career (1978-1994).
He is still the youngest captain to win the World Cup for any team, and comes third in the list for youngest cricketers to lead India in tests.
Sachin Tendulkar representing India in tests. Image | NDTV
One of the greatest batsmen of all time, Sachin Tendulkar also had his tenure as the test captain of India at the age of 23 years and 169 days. He first took on the captaincy to lead India in a match against Australia, in 1996.
Tendulkar's captaincy journey had two phases, with him leading in 25 matches. He had an incredible test career with 15921 runs in 200 matches, which is still the highest by any batter in the world!
1. Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi (21 years 77 days) | 1962
Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi representing India in tests. Image | Instagram
Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi remains India's youngest ever test captain, having taken the role at the age of just 21 years and 77 days! He was famously known as 'Tiger' Pataudi in the field of cricket.
He captained India in 40 matches out of his 46-match test career. Despite losing his right eye in an accident early in his career, he continued to play and lead with brilliant skills and courage.
Pataudi scored 2793 runs, smashing 6 centuries and 16 half-centuries in his test career (1961-1975).