Best captain in Tests, ODIs and T20Is in 2021

2021 was nothing short of a treat for cricket fans as some exciting battles were witnessed over the 22 yards. From Tests to ODIs and T20s, every format of the game entertained the fans thoroughly. While the likes of Joe Root and Mohammad Rizwan made their bat talk, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Ravichandran Ashwin tormented the batters with their brilliance.

Meanwhile, leadership is also an important aspect of the gentleman’s game as one individual has to look after 10 other players in the line-up. He also needs to lead from the front to take his side over the line. Pressure from fans and media are some other factors that make the lives of international cricket captains challenging. As the year 2021 is approaching its end, let’s look at players who made a mark in the captaincy department.

Meanwhile, let’s look at best captains in all three international formats in 2021:

Test – Virat Kohli

Unlike the last few years, Virat Kohli didn’t pile up a mountain of runs but he still was a force to reckon with as a captain in Test matches. He made some brilliant on-field and tactical decisions which helped India beat England both at home and overseas. Notably, his decision to keep veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in benches during the England tour bagged a lot of criticism.

However, India still managed to do well, ending 2-1 up in the inconclusive series. Overall, India won six out of 10 Tests under Kohli in 2021. The 33-year-old, however, scored runs at an average of 28.41, which could have been a lot better.

ODIs – Tamim Iqbal

In a year where the inaugural World Test Championship and T20 World Cup took place, ODI somewhat had lesser significance. However, Bangladesh enjoyed a fine run in the 50-over format this year, winning eight of their 12 games. Skipper Tamim Iqbal led the side from the front and scored 464 runs at an average of 38.66. He also slammed four half-centuries and one ton in this period.

T20I – Babar Azam

It was a year to remember for Babar Azam as the Pakistan captain shattered records left, right, and center. The right-handed opener scored runs consistently at the top as Pakistan won one game after another.  In fact, the Men in Green won 20 of their 27 T20Is in 2021, most for any team in a calendar year. As far as Azam’s batting numbers are concerned, the 27-year-old slammed 939 T20I runs that includes nine half-centuries and one hundred.