Graeme Smith (South Africa: all existing format)
Shaun Pollock-led South Africa shocked the world cricket after the hosts failed to qualify for the second round in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003. After that CWC journey, the selectors chose Graeme Smith as the new captain who was only 22-year-old. Before taking that captaincy role, Smith played only 22 ODIs and eight Tests.
Later, Graeme Smith evolved himself as one of the best captains in international cricket history. Though his team never reached the final of any ICC tournaments, his team mostly dominated in every country.