In cricket, the role of captaincy is very crucial. Being a captain is about uniting individual characters into a united force. Often, these matters remain behind the scenes, so you don’t see the exhibition of a captain’s attributes, but the role is quite demanding because different circumstances require a different kind of approach, and only proactive captains can make positive changes.
Look at notable cricket team captains like Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh, who were not only proactive with their leadership but also very clear about their decisions. When they made a decision, they pursued it to perfection for the good of the team. Someone like Graeme Smith turned the 11 on-field players into a formidable unit just by his own energy that he circulated throughout the team.
One of the most inspiring yet very underdog captains in this world was Clive Lloyd. It is now amazing to look back and see how he turned a team of rookies into World Cup champions in a very short time by injecting fearlessness and a bold attitude into their game.
Who are the current best captains in cricket?
This is definitely a difficult question to answer because the case of leadership in cricket is quite different now, and captaincy is looked upon from the point of view of stats and trivia, such as how many victories you have accumulated as a captain. But there are captains who have done a great job. When you look at the modern game, three names that stand out are: Rohit Sharma, Temba Bavuma, and Jos Buttler.
All three players got to captain their sides quite late in their careers, but somehow it has helped them use their experience more effectively. Let’s take a look at the specialty of each of these captains:
Rohit Sharma: The Strategic Captain
Rohit Sharma is a laid-back captain. He rarely transfers his own pressure to his teammates. As a captain, you are going to be tested, and there will be pressure-oriented moments. What makes Rohit a special captain is that he brings solutions in adverse circumstances. He knows the abilities of each individual in his team and assigns roles accordingly, ensuring the right person does the right job at the right time.
Jos Buttler: The Aggresive Captain
Jos Buttler is straightforward in his approach. He has a clear trust in his leadership philosophy and wants the entire team to embrace it. He visualizes an attacking style of cricket, whether with the bat or ball, persistently going for it against the odds. There are similarities between Buttler’s and his predecessor Morgan’s leadership. Both aim to stay ahead in the game, challenging the opposition to take risks.
Temba Bavuma: The Bold Captain
Temba Bavuma is a fantastic captain, one of the finest in terms of bold planning and executing it perfectly. South Africa is having quite some success under his captaincy, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he leads South Africa to its first World Cup glory. Whether it’s making bowling changes or setting fielding placements, Bavuma excels at executing his plans. Additionally, he is a natural leader who leads by example, maintaining intensity when in charge.
Shakib Al Hasan is another captain who has impressed with his leadership. However, Bangladesh’s management has been inconsistent with their decisions about the team’s leadership. Australia’s Pat Cummins has struggled to captain the side; the potential for leadership has made him look like a miserable cricketer.
Tom Latham deserves inclusion in the list of the most able captains. In the absence of Kane Williamson, he led a relatively young and inexperienced team, creating several match winners like Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman in that team.
The Essence of Captaincy in Cricket
The essence of leadership lies in the unifying force that captains provide. A captain might not bowl at a given moment, might not bat, or might not field, yet being away from the cauldron, they can supply the energy, intensity, and planned solutions with their leadership. They can’t sit back and dwell on previous happenings; they have to be present in the game, more mentally than physically.
Rohit Sharma, Jos Buttler, and Temba Bavuma are three captains who are making a big impact. They are all proactive, clear-headed, and empathetic leaders. They are also able to get the best out of their players and create a winning culture. Captaincy is a demanding role, but it is also one of the most rewarding. Captains have the power to inspire their teams and create unforgettable moments. They are the true leaders of the game.
In cricket, at moments when things go wrong and players have their hands on their heads, the role of the captaincy becomes more important. They must lift up the spirits and not let the team drift away into questions like “whose mistake was this?” Whether it’s Rohit Sharma, Jos Buttler, or Temba Bavuma, they don’t conceal anything and welcome the advice of their teammates, diversifying the entire role of captaincy.
