Five players who made their debut while leading their team in International Cricket

Embark on a unique journey in the realm of international cricket as we celebrate the unique debuts in international cricket. Some players have left an indelible mark by not only making their debut but also shouldering the captaincy from the outset. This listicle delves into the captivating stories of five cricketing luminaries who embraced the dual challenge of leading their teams while stepping onto the international stage for the first time.

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From nerve-wracking debuts to showcasing leadership under pressure, each narrative unfolds as a testament to their exceptional cricketing prowess. Join us as we unravel the tales of these trailblazers, each carving a niche for themselves in the annals of cricketing history, showcasing resilience and skill in equal measure.

#5. Ashgar Afghan, Afghanistan

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In a historic moment at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in 2018, Ashgar Afghan made his Test debut as the captain for Afghanistan against India. This marked a significant chapter in Afghan cricket, as he led the team into the challenging realm of Test cricket.

However, the debut encounter against India ended in a formidable victory for the hosts, with India securing a win by an inning and 262 runs. Despite this challenging start, Afghans continued to contribute to Afghan cricket. Regrettably, in 2021, he faced the unfortunate outcome of being relieved of his captaincy duties, reflecting the tumultuous journey of leadership in international cricket.

#4. George Bailey, Australia

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George Bailey, the current chief selector of the Australian team, made his T20I debut as a captain in February 2012 against India in Sydney. This pivotal moment in his cricketing journey witnessed a triumphant start, with Australia emerging victorious by 31 runs under Bailey's leadership.

The inception of his captaincy career showcased Bailey's ability to guide the team to success from the outset, laying the foundation for his subsequent roles in Australian cricket. Today, as the chief selector, Bailey's initial foray into captaincy remains a notable chapter in his storied career, reflecting his early prowess in steering the team towards triumph.

#3. Virendra Sehwag, India

On December 1, 2006, Virender Sehwag assumed the captaincy for India in his first T20 international game. In the absence of stalwarts like Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly, Sehwag, known for his explosive batting, was entrusted with the leadership role.

Sehwag's captaincy stint in T20Is was a one-time occurrence, and despite the brevity, it adds a distinctive chapter to his illustrious cricketing career. This decision showcased the adaptability of Indian cricket during a transitional period, laying the foundation for future leadership dynamics in the T20 format.

#2. Niel Brand, South Africa

Neil Brand, while leading South Africa in his debut match, etched his name in cricketing annals with a historic performance. The left-arm spinner mesmerised in the opening Test against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui, showcasing his prowess with a remarkable 6/119 in 26 overs during the first innings.

Despite a lack of substantial support from the bowling unit, Brand's exceptional figures marked a significant achievement, especially considering the formidable total posted by the hosts (511). The captain's stellar debut highlights his resilience and skill, setting the stage for what promises to be a noteworthy chapter in his leadership journey for South Africa.

#1. David Laud Houghton, Zimbabwe

Indeed, the cricketing world witnessed a rare spectacle as David Laud Houghton assumed the captaincy for Zimbabwe in his debut match and, astonishingly, marked the occasion with a century. This extraordinary feat occurred in 1992 during a match against India led by Mohammad Azharuddin at Harare Sports Club.

Houghton's deliberate 121-run innings, constructed with patience over 322 balls and adorned with 15 boundaries, not only showcased his batting prowess but also catapulted Zimbabwe to a commendable 456 runs in their first inning. Notably, he became Zimbabwe's first centurion in the ODI format, leaving an indelible mark on cricketing history with this remarkable debut as captain.