Youngest captains to win the T20 World Cup

MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: X/Twitter)

Many captains come and go, but only a few have enough in them to lead the team to a glory in prestigious multinational events. Ever since the introduction of the T20 World Cup back in 2007, there have been eight different captains to lead a victorious team in the finale of the tournament. The first edition was won by India under the able leadership of newly-appointed skipper MS Dhoni. Post that, legendary captains like Daren Sammy and Younis Khan have also led their respective nations to lift the silverware in the latter editions.

In the ongoing 2024 edition, India, led by Rohit Sharma, and Aiden Markram’s South Africa will be crossing swords at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday, June 29. While Rohit is set to become the oldest captain in history if the Men in Blue win, the South African skipper may become the third-youngest skipper to be a T20 World Cup winning captain.

Today, we will have a look at the top 5 youngest captains who have led the team in a T20 World Cup Final

5. 32 Years 66 Days – Jos Buttler

In the 2022 edition of the coveted tournament, England squared off in the finale against Pakistan. The Englishmen reached the summit clash after a thumping win against India in the semi-final at Adelaide. Bowling first in the grand finale clash at the prestigious Melbourne Cricket Ground, Buttler’s bowlers restricted Pakistan to an under par total of 137/8, which the Three Lions chased down comfortably in 19 overs with five wickets to spare. With the championship under their belt, Buttler became the fifth-youngest captain to win the tournament.

4. 31 Years 204 Days – Younis Khan

In 2009, the reigns of captaincy were handed over to the experienced Younis Khan. After falling short by barest of margins in the previous edition, Pakistan came back with a strong determination against the might of Sri Lanka. The stage was set at the Lord’s, and Sri Lanka batted first. Kumar Sangakkara, the skipper, saved his team from a downfall, with his fighting 64 off 52 balls. However, it wasn’t enough, as Shahid Afridi with his 54 runs off 40 balls, ensured nothing troubled the Men in Green from a glory in their second finale. Younis Khan was all elated to lead the side to a victory, by adding a feather to his cap.

Also Read: Winning T20 World Cup is the most amazing feeling in the world: Chris Gayle

3. 30 Years 221 Days – Lasith Malinga

In 2014, Sri Lanka entered their third-straight of the tournament, this time against India. Led by MS Dhoni, the Men in Blue could have repeated the 2007 feat, but the Sri Lankans had other plans. Batting first, the Indians struggled heavily, and had to settle for a low total. In reply, the Lankans had no problems whatsoever in the chase, as Thisara Perera hit the winning runs, making Lasith Malinga the third-youngest skipper to lift the silverware at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka.

2. 28 Years 292 Days – Darren Sammy

In 2012, the inaugural ODI World Cup champions made it to their first-ever T20 World Cup final at Colombo against hosts Sri Lanka. On a tricky surface, the Windies side faced a huge batting collapse, but Marlon Samuels saved them from a complete downfall, propelling the Daren Sammy-led side to 137/6 after 20 overs. In their defence, Sunil Narine and Sammy himself took the matters in their own hands, taking three and two wickets, respectively. The Lankans were bundled out for 101, as Sammy put Younis behind to become the second-youngest.

Check Also: Flashback: What went wrong for Team India in 2014 T20 World Cup final?

1. 26 Years 79 Days – MS Dhoni

At the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, arch-rivals India and Pakistan met for the first-ever final in the history of the tournament. MS Dhoni-led India batted first, as Gautam Gambhir scored a fighting 75-run knock to put up a decent total on board. During the chase, it all came down to a last-over finish, as Misbah-ul-Haq stood between India and a win. However, a deceiving delivery by Joginder Sharma saw Sreesanth grab a catch under tremendous pressure, as India won the game by just five runs. This was the start of Dhoni’s era in Indian cricket, who later went onto lift two more trophies at the ICC events.

To catch up on the most current news on all of your favorite thrilling cricket updates, visit BJSports to access our comprehensive Latest News, insightful analysis, and updates. connect with the action now to make sure you never miss out!