New Delhi. There have been many players in the world of cricket who made headlines right from their debut. One such name is that of former Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu. He made his Test debut at the age of just 18 and became the vice-captain at the age of 19. When he turned 20 years and 358 days, he got the captaincy of the team and then made a world record of being the youngest captain. Then what happened that this player was forced to flee his country.
Tatenda Taibu is a 5 feet 5 inches wicketkeeper batsman from Zimbabwe who made his mark in international cricket. The record was made for the youngest captain in Test history and in 2019, Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan (20 years 350 days) made it after 15 years. This player’s international cricket journey began with the West Indies tour of 1999-2000. Taibu easily replaced experienced wicketkeeper Andy Flower.
Became the youngest captain, resigned in 18 months
Due to the turmoil in Zimbabwe cricket in April 2004, Heath Streak left the captaincy and the reins of the team were handed over to 21 year old Taibu. However, he could not fulfill this responsibility for long and due to death threats, he was forced to leave the captaincy in just 18 months. Not only this, Tatenda Taibu had to flee the country.
What happened to Taibu, why did he have to leave the country?
Tatenda Taibu interfered in Zimbabwe’s politics, which was his biggest mistake. This youth raised questions on the policies of President Robert Mugabe which the people there did not like. After this step, an attempt was made to kidnap Taibu’s family members and they also received death threats. Ultimately, under compulsion, he decided to leave Zimbabwe along with his family.
Taibu’s international career
Tatenda Taibu made his international debut in ODI in 2001 against West Indies. Then Test cricket and after 6 years, in 2007, I got a chance to play for Zimbabwe in T20 against Australia. He scored 1546 runs with one century in 28 Tests. While playing 2 century innings in 150 ODIs, Taibu scored 3393 runs.
Tags: Andy Flower, Cricket news, India vs Zimbabwe
FIRST PUBLISHED : October 18, 2024, 11:27 IST