Cricket is a game of uncertainties; it is the role of the captain to predict the opponent’s next move. Make the right bowling changes and make the correct field placements. The biggest superstars of the game have been captains. However, sometimes it can often be a thankless job. There have been many players who have performed extremely well as a leader but have often been missed by the naked eye. Here, we will look at some of the most underrated leaders of the game.
1. Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum is widely renowned for his fearless and attacking approach to the game. He is credited with leading his side to an ODI World Cup Final in 2015, where he was bowled for a duck and his side suffered a heavy defeat against the Aussies. Once referred to by Joy Bhattacharya as the first guy to go the press conferences during KKR’s horrendous run of nine defeats in the IPL, Baz was a captain who would happily run through fire for his men.
2. Aiden Markram
Aiden Markram is the only South-African player to ever lead a side to a world cup victory. He captained the Under-19 to a World Cup win in 2014. After having a rocky start to his career, Markram finally seems to be getting his act together. In March 2023 he was named the country’s T20I captain after he led his side to the title in the first edition SA T20 league, where he was Player of the Tournament. Currently leading the Sunrisers franchise in the IPL, Markram is thriving in his leadership role.
3. Hardik Pandya
Always smiling, Hardik Pandya is a happy-go-lucky guy. However, he has had a tumultuous life off the field, often surrounded by controversy. The 2022 edition of the IPL was a comeback year for Hardik and many critics wrote him off when he was announced as the captain of the newly introduced Gujarat franchise. The team’s performance was emphatic, winning the tournament altogether. Hardik had this aura of composure around him throughout the season, always smiling. He came out to be the new captain cool of Indian cricket.
4. Kumar Sangakkara
Not many people know that Kumar Sangakkara led an average Sri Lanka to consecutive World Cup Finals. Final. Always having a smile on his face Sanga is one of the greatest players ever to step on the field. Having an aggregate win percentage of 54.3, Sanga performed his duties well and that too, with a smile on his face. However, he is often overlooked because of his short tenure as a skipper.
5. Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes was named the captain of an England side that had won just one out of its last 17 test matches. Under him, England has been playing a fearless and attacking game, often scoring at a run rate of more than 6 runs per over. He once remarked, “Sometimes teams will be better than us, but no one will be braver than us.” His team has been true to this mantra, always playing to win. Ben Stokes’ team is certainly rewriting how test cricket is played. However, the upcoming home Ashes where he has demanded flat, fast pitches would be the litmus test of his leadership.
6. Shane Warne
Shane Warne was one of the sharpest cricketing minds to have ever lived. He was a master at anticipating the opposition’s next move and could read the game like no other player. Warne led Australia in 11 ODIs, winning 10 out of them. However, he is famously remembered for leading an average Rajasthan Royals side to title triumph in the inaugural edition of the IPL, defying all odds. Warney was a larger-than-life character, with a charismatic personality and the greatest skipper Australia never had.
7. Jason Holder
Jason Holder is the youngest ever player to captain West Indies. He was named the skipper at just 23 years and 72 days. He led West Indies in 32 Test matches, 86 ODIs, and 3 T20Is. Before reading into the win-loss ratios, one should keep in mind that he captained a side in transition. Holder was the glue that kept the West Indies dressing room together, at a time when franchise leagues were booming around the world and players preferred to play for franchises. Holder’s record as captain has more to it than just stats.
8. Michael Clarke
He is often regarded as the most controversial Australian captain, due to off-the-field incidents. However, on the field, he has an impeccable record as captain and player. ‘Pup’ captained Australia to its fifth world cup triumph in 2015. He led the Australian team in 47 test matches and 74 ODIs, having a win percentage of 51.06 and 70.42 respectively. His off-field actions should not have a bearing on his legacy as captain.
9. Faf du Plessis
Faf led the South African side in a combined 108 matches winning 68 with a win percentage of 62.9%. While this record is tantamount one should also consider that towards the twilight of his days as captain, he led an inexperienced side that had lost both Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers in the gap of just one year. He is arguably the greatest skipper for his nation alongside Graeme Smith. Add to this his record as leader of RCB where he led his team to the playoffs during his first season in charge.
10. Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson has eternally been one of the most underrated players. While his origin in Kerala, traditionally a football-crazy state might be one of the reasons for people write him off. He has often been overlooked by critics as well as fans for his leadership of a Rajasthan Royals side that had been underperforming before he took over. So far, he has captained the franchise in 36 games, winning an appreciable 19. He has been in the shadows too long and deserves at least a chance on the big stage.
