Great captains lead from the front — but true legends take bold, unexpected risks that redefine matches. Over the years, cricket has witnessed daring captaincy decisions that left fans stunned… and opposition teams defeated.
Whether it’s a strange field setting, a shock promotion in the batting order, or trusting an unlikely bowler at a crucial moment — these decisions didn’t just surprise; they worked wonders.
Table of Contents
Here are the Top 10 Unexpected Captaincy Decisions That Paid Off, proving that brave calls often make history.
10. Ricky Ponting Makes Michael Clarke Bowl in 2009 Ashes
During a tense phase in the 2009 Ashes, Ponting turned to part-timer Michael Clarke. Unexpected? Yes. Effective? Absolutely. Clarke picked up three key wickets and broke the English middle order. It was one of those captaincy decisions that looked crazy but clicked perfectly.
9. Virat Kohli Gives Bumrah the 3rd Over vs England (2018 Test)
Kohli brought Jasprit Bumrah into Test cricket and used him unusually — giving him the third over instead of a new-ball spell. Bumrah’s awkward angles troubled England immediately. That captaincy decision helped establish India’s modern pace attack identity.
8. MS Dhoni Hands Joginder Sharma the Final Over (2007 T20 WC Final)
It was the first T20 World Cup final. Pakistan needed 13 runs off the last over. Dhoni gave the ball to little-known Joginder Sharma, not Harbhajan Singh. The world questioned it. But Joginder delivered. India won. This remains one of the gutsiest captaincy decisions ever.
7. Kane Williamson Promotes James Neesham in 2019 Semi-final
In the 2019 World Cup semi-final, New Zealand were in trouble. Williamson promoted James Neesham up the order — a risky move. Neesham counter-attacked, changing the tempo. New Zealand went on to shock India, and that captaincy decision was a key moment.
6. Steve Waugh Gives the Ball to Michael Bevan (1996 vs WI)
Steve Waugh, known for bold instincts, handed the ball to part-time spinner Michael Bevan in a critical match against West Indies. Bevan dismissed Lara — match over. It was a shocking but successful captaincy decision that turned the game around.
5. Eoin Morgan Starts with Adil Rashid in 2019 WC Final
Everyone expected pace up front, but Morgan shocked the world by opening with spinner Adil Rashid in the World Cup final. It broke rhythm, built pressure, and played a tactical role in England lifting the cup. A masterstroke captaincy decision under pressure.
4. Imran Khan Picks Wasim Akram to Bat Ahead in 1992 Final
In the 1992 World Cup final, Imran Khan promoted a young Wasim Akram. The decision surprised fans — but Akram smashed crucial runs and then destroyed England with the ball. A visionary captaincy decision from one of the game’s great leaders.
3. MS Dhoni Promotes Himself in 2011 World Cup Final
Gambhir was batting well. Yuvraj was in form. But Dhoni surprised everyone by promoting himself to No. 5 in the World Cup final. The result? 91* and a winning six. Possibly the most iconic captaincy decision in Indian cricket history.
2. Ben Stokes Opens with Moeen Ali in the Ashes 2023
Stokes, always unconventional, opened bowling with spinner Moeen Ali on Day 1. Everyone expected fast bowlers, but Moeen created immediate chances. Though it didn’t result in wickets, the psychological impact set the tone — a classic aggressive captaincy decision.
1. Sourav Ganguly’s Decision to Open with Sehwag in Tests
Sehwag was considered a middle-order ODI player. But Ganguly saw something more. He pushed Sehwag to open in Tests — a bold, career-defining move. Sehwag went on to become a Test great, redefining aggression at the top. This captaincy decision reshaped India’s Test identity.
Why These Decisions Worked
- Trust in instinct over data
- Surprising the opposition
- Belief in individual players
- Changing the narrative of the match
These captaincy decisions prove that boldness, backed by trust and vision, can rewrite history.
Cricket captains aren’t just leaders — they’re tacticians, risk-takers, and visionaries. The best ones don’t always play safe. As these captaincy decisions show, courage and timing can turn the unexpected into unforgettable.
In a sport full of stats and tradition, it’s often the unorthodox call that delivers the biggest impact — and earns a permanent place in cricketing folklore.
FAQ – Captaincy Decisions in Cricket!
Q1: What defines a great captaincy decision?
One that changes the match’s momentum, especially when it goes against the expected move.
Q2: Who is known for bold captaincy?
MS Dhoni, Imran Khan, Ben Stokes, and Sourav Ganguly are often praised for fearless calls.
Q3: Can captaincy decisions impact careers?
Absolutely. Many players rose or fell based on strategic calls made by their captains.