An early start, an early end
The highs and lows of a rollercoaster career that began when Taibu was only 18 and ended when he was only 29
ESPNcricinfo staff
09-Jul-2012
Tatenda Taibu was among Zimbabwe's best wicketkeeper-batsmen • Getty Images
March 2000
In a major surprise, 16-year-old Taibu is picked for a tri-series in the West Indies even before he makes his first-class debut. Three months later, he is on stand-by for the Nottingham Test after an injury puts Andy Flower in doubt.
In a major surprise, 16-year-old Taibu is picked for a tri-series in the West Indies even before he makes his first-class debut. Three months later, he is on stand-by for the Nottingham Test after an injury puts Andy Flower in doubt.
June 2001
Taibu debuts against West Indies in the ODIs, batting at No. 10.
Taibu debuts against West Indies in the ODIs, batting at No. 10.
July 2001
With Flower absent, Taibu plays his first Test against West Indies in Bulawayo. Picked as a wicketkeeper, he is pushed up to No. 3 in the second innings, but fails as Zimbabwe slip to a big defeat.
With Flower absent, Taibu plays his first Test against West Indies in Bulawayo. Picked as a wicketkeeper, he is pushed up to No. 3 in the second innings, but fails as Zimbabwe slip to a big defeat.
March 2003
Plays alongside Andy Flower during the World Cup in South Africa. Scores 117 runs at an average of 29.25.
Plays alongside Andy Flower during the World Cup in South Africa. Scores 117 runs at an average of 29.25.
April 2004
Becomes the youngest ever captain, aged 20, when he leads Zimbabwe in an ODI against Sri Lanka, marking the occasion with an unbeaten 96. He takes over after 13 white players including seniors like Heath Streak and Grant Flower are left out following a stand-off between them and the Zimbabwe board.
Becomes the youngest ever captain, aged 20, when he leads Zimbabwe in an ODI against Sri Lanka, marking the occasion with an unbeaten 96. He takes over after 13 white players including seniors like Heath Streak and Grant Flower are left out following a stand-off between them and the Zimbabwe board.
January 2005
One of the highlights of his career is the second Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka as he scores 85* and 153 to help draw the match.
One of the highlights of his career is the second Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka as he scores 85* and 153 to help draw the match.
September 2005
His last game as captain of the side is a Test in Harare which Zimbabwe lose to India.
His last game as captain of the side is a Test in Harare which Zimbabwe lose to India.
November 2005
Resigns from the captaincy and quits international cricket after running into problems with the board. "I am doing this, 80% because of the current situation in Zimbabwe Cricket and 20% because I do not like the terms of my offered contract," he had said. He also said he had received personal threats from a Zimbabwe Cricket official.
Resigns from the captaincy and quits international cricket after running into problems with the board. "I am doing this, 80% because of the current situation in Zimbabwe Cricket and 20% because I do not like the terms of my offered contract," he had said. He also said he had received personal threats from a Zimbabwe Cricket official.
September 2006
Expresses his intentions to try and qualify for South Africa, only to change his mind after being told the switch would be difficult.
Expresses his intentions to try and qualify for South Africa, only to change his mind after being told the switch would be difficult.
July 2007
Ends a nearly two-year absence from Zimbabwe cricket when he returns for two four-day matches against India A at home. Becomes a regular with the senior side again.
Ends a nearly two-year absence from Zimbabwe cricket when he returns for two four-day matches against India A at home. Becomes a regular with the senior side again.
April 2008
Misses matches for Zimbabwe to play in the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders.
Misses matches for Zimbabwe to play in the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders.
July 2009
Handed a 10-match ban by Zimbabwe Cricket after allegations that he and the board's finance general manager were involved in a public row.
Handed a 10-match ban by Zimbabwe Cricket after allegations that he and the board's finance general manager were involved in a public row.
October 2009
Makes a comeback to the national team for the home series against Kenya and Bangladesh.
Makes a comeback to the national team for the home series against Kenya and Bangladesh.
August 2011
On the eve of Zimbabwe's return to Test cricket after a nearly six-year exile, he slams the country's cricket administration for not doing enough for the game.
On the eve of Zimbabwe's return to Test cricket after a nearly six-year exile, he slams the country's cricket administration for not doing enough for the game.
July 2012
Announces retirement from the game to focus on working for the church
Announces retirement from the game to focus on working for the church