Cricket is a sport the place expertise typically performs an important function in management, particularly on the grand stage of ICC tournaments. Captains who’ve mixed ability, technique, and maturity have led their groups to historic victories, typically properly into their thirties. The 2025 cricket calendar was significantly memorable, highlighted by South Africa’s historic triumph within the World Check Championship (WTC), including a brand new identify to the elite listing of oldest captains to clinch ICC titles. Allow us to all dive into the highest 5 oldest captains who’ve lifted ICC trophies, culminating with the latest heroics of Temba Bavuma.
South Africa’s historic WTC 2025 triumph in opposition to Australia
In June 2025, South Africa etched their identify in cricketing historical past by profitable their maiden World Check Championship title. Underneath the astute management of Bavuma, the Proteas overcame the formidable defending champions Australia in an exciting summit conflict at Lord’s. This victory was not only a testomony to South Africa’s resilience and ability but additionally marked their second ICC trophy total, ending an extended wait since their 1998 ICC Knock Out Trophy win. Bavuma, at 35 years and 72 days previous, showcased exemplary captaincy, mixing tactical nous with calmness underneath stress, guiding his staff by way of a fiercely contested sequence to final glory.
High 5 oldest captains to win ICC titles
- Imran Khan (39 years 172 days)
Imran Khan stays the oldest captain to win an ICC trophy, a document that stands tall in cricket historical past. At 39 years and 172 days, he led Pakistan to their first and solely 50-over World Cup victory in 1992, held in Australia. The ultimate on the Melbourne Cricket Floor noticed Pakistan edge previous England by 22 runs in a gripping encounter. Imran was instrumental with each bat and ball, scoring a significant 72 runs and taking a key wicket in the course of the chase, epitomizing his all-round management and cementing his legacy as a cricketing icon.
- Rohit Sharma (37 years and 313 days)
India’s Rohit Sharma, recognized for his elegant batting and sharp captaincy, was 37 years and 313 days previous when he led India to their third ICC Champions Trophy title in February 2025. The ultimate in opposition to New Zealand was a high-stakes affair the place Rohit’s prime rating of 76 runs was pivotal in chasing down the goal. His composed management and batting prowess ensured India’s dominance within the event, reinforcing his standing as one of many best captains in fashionable cricket.
Additionally READ: From Laura Wolvaardt to Marizanne Kapp: South Africa’s women cricketers hail men’s WTC final triumph over Australia
- Rohit Sharma (37 years and 60 days)
Earlier in 2025, Rohit had already made headlines by ending India’s ICC trophy drought within the T20 World Cup. At 37 years and 60 days, he captained India to an exciting seven-run victory over South Africa within the remaining. Though his private contribution with the bat was modest (9 runs), his tactical acumen and well timed choices on the sphere had been essential in navigating India to a hard-fought win in a must-win sport.
- Brian Lara (35 years and 146 days)
Brian Lara, one of many biggest batsmen of all time, additionally made his mark as a captain by main the West Indies to their first ICC Champions Trophy title in 2004. At 35 years and 146 days previous, Lara’s management was instrumental within the remaining in opposition to England in England itself, the place the Windies secured a slim two-wicket victory. His expertise and batting genius impressed the staff to beat the hosts on their house soil, including a big chapter to West Indies cricket historical past.
- Temba Bavuma (35 years and 72 days)
The newest addition to this distinguished listing is South Africa’s Bavuma. At 35 years and 72 days, he captained the Proteas to their maiden World Check Championship title in 2025. Bavuma’s management was marked by strategic brilliance and calm underneath stress, guiding South Africa to a historic victory over Australia at Lord’s. This ICC triumph was South Africa’s first within the Check format and their second total, ending an extended await an ICC title and highlighting Bavuma’s emergence as a world-class chief.
Additionally READ: AB de Villiers pens a heartwarming tribute as South Africa end 27-year ICC title drought with WTC 2025 win
