5 players who were surprisingly handed over the captaincy 

#1 Graeme Smith - South Africa

Graeme Smith

Following South Africa's 2003 World Cup debacle, Shaun Pollock was removed as captain of the side. And, despite the presence of senior players in the side, 22-year-old Graeme Smith was chosen to lead the Proteas.

Smith displayed immense confidence in leading the side as South Africa became a force to reckon with in international cricket. The opener succeeded as a batsman too as he scored runs consistently at the top of the order.

The left-hander led South Africa to consecutive World Cup semi-finals in 2007 and 2011. Smith also shepherded South Africa to some memorable wins in Tests and took the team to the perch of the ICC Test rankings.

Smith backed the likes of Dale Steyn, Ab de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis and Morne Morkel, all of whom went on to establish themselves as greats of South African cricket. Smith led his side in 109 Tests and remains the most by any player in the history of the game.

His record of 53 Test wins as a captain has also survived the ravages of time.