Mahela Jayawardene - Is he underrated as a captain?

[Hasan123]

We all know how good a batsmen Mahela was. But I think as a captain he is pretty underrated. Won 18 out of 38 tests. Lost only 12. In ODIs he won 68 out of 126 ODIs he captained. Remember Sri Lanka doesn't have the resources of Australia or India so these are not too bad numbers. Also captained them to the 2007 WC final. Even scored a century in the semi against NZ. He won captain of the year in 2006 and was Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2007. Furthermore his Lankan team won the spirit of cricket award in 2007 and 2008. Another interesting stat is he is the only player in World Cup history to score a century in a World Cup semi and World Cup final.

Whilst being good tactically he also lead his team through performance and also ensured his team played in a good spirit.

For me he is one of the better captains in recent times and is underrated as a leader . What do you guys think ?

Discuss.....

 

[Swashbuckler]

Good observation. I always rated him as a terrific captain. Tactically very sharp and ability to get the best out of limited bowling resources. Even his fielding placements were very suffocating as an Indian supporter. He knew the strengths and weaknesses of every batsman (and also Lankan bowlers) and made life difficult, eg those 3 unorthodox close in catchers close to each other on leg side to gobble up Sachin's airy flick shots. I don't agree with the Spirit of Cricket part because IMO that Sri Lankan team was very shady and sneaky as far as gamesmanship goes.

 

[Hasan123]

Good observation. I always rated him as a terrific captain. Tactically very sharp and ability to get the best out of limited bowling resources. Even his fielding placements were very suffocating as an Indian supporter. He knew the strengths and weaknesses of every batsman (and also Lankan bowlers) and made life difficult, eg those 3 unorthodox close in catchers close to each other on leg side to gobble up Sachin's airy flick shots. I don't agree with the Spirit of Cricket part because IMO that Sri Lankan team was very shady and sneaky as far as gamesmanship goes.

Well they awarded the award in 2007 and 2008. Must have not be upto much in those years.

But like the example of his tactical nouse against Sachin.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Happy Birthday to the legendary Mahela Jayawardene