Sports Desk: Looking at the captain of the Bangladesh team in recent times, you might think that the captain’s job is probably limited to the toss. Actually, it is not like that at all. The job of a captain is by no means limited to the toss. Before entering the field, building the team, who can be kept in the eleven, understanding the wicket, what to do if you win the toss, who can be brought to bowl against which opponent’s batter, fixing the fielding position; above all, keeping the team fighting bravely on the field until the last ball. These are part of the qualities of an ideal captain.
In that regard, how many numbers you give to the current Bangladesh team captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto depends on you. However, there have been many captains in world cricket who have still managed to hold a place in the hearts of people with their leadership qualities. So, when it comes to the topic of captains, you really have to turn around and name them. This report is about all those legendary captains.
Clive Lloyd (1975-85)
When it comes to captaincy, there is no way you can avoid Clive Lloyd. From 1975 to 1985, the West Indies team became the best in the world under his leadership. Under Lloyd, the West Indies lifted the World Cup twice in a row. They had the opportunity to win a hat trick of titles. However, Kapil Dev’s India did not let that happen. Under Lloyd, the West Indies won 64 of the 84 matches they played. Where the win rate under his leadership was 77.71 percent.
Imran Khan (1982-1992)
When it comes to leadership, there is no way to avoid Imran Khan. Imran presented Pakistan cricket differently on the world stage by weaving the entire team into a single thread. Imran ended his leadership by making a mediocre team the best in the world and winning the World Cup in 1992. Before leaving the leadership, he led Pakistan to 75 wins in 139 matches. Which no other Pakistani could do. Later, his leadership qualities were developed in the political arena as well. He also set a unique precedent as the only cricketer in the world to become the prime minister of a country.
Arjuna Ranatunga (1988-1999)
Although he was stripped of the captaincy and later retired due to his failure in the 1999 World Cup, Arjuna Ranatunga’s rise was like a dream. Under him, Sri Lanka became unstoppable. Ranatunga’s Sri Lanka surprised the world by winning the 1996 World Cup. In his post-cricket life, Ranatunga also led politics in Sri Lanka. He achieved success. However, on the cricket field, Ranatunga is still an ideal name for the Sri Lankans. Sri Lanka won 89 out of 193 matches under him.
Stephen Fleming (1997-2007)
He could not win any trophy. However, his statistics still show that Fleming is one of the best ODI captains in the world, not only in New Zealand. Fleming led New Zealand to 98 wins in 218 matches. Under his leadership, New Zealand became one of the best teams in the world.
MS Dhoni (2007-2018)
Keep a cool head and finish the match even under pressure. A small piece of advice for bowlers, but very effective. In any consideration of leadership qualities, you will be forced to give Dhoni a letter mark. Among all the captains who have come in cricket so far, Dhoni will be among the best in all aspects. India has achieved the most success on the world stage under Dhoni. Under Dhoni’s leadership, India has lifted the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Trophy. Under Dhoni’s leadership, India has played a total of 200 matches. Out of which they have won 110 matches. However, considering success on the world stage, Dhoni will be the best of the best.
Ricky Ponting (2002-2012)
Ricky Ponting got the taste of winning the World Cup in the 1999 World Cup under Steve Waugh. But he could not forget that taste. Later, Ponting won the World Cup twice (2003, 2007) for Australia. Ponting became the main cause of headaches for bowlers in run-based cricket. Ponting was not only good at scoring runs but also at arranging fielding and planning strategies to defeat the opponent. He is one of the best of all time for leading the team with a cool head. The statistics in ODI leadership also speak in his favor. Australia won 165 matches in 230 matches under Ponting. Which is the best as a captain?
