IPL 2016: Rating the captains of the 8 IPL teams

1. David Warner: Sunrisers Hyderabad – 9.5/10

Warner proved out to be the most successful captain for the Sunrisers Hyderabad

David Warner epitomized the term ‘leading from the front’ this season of the IPL as he carried the mantle of the side on his shoulders match after match with his superlative batting performance, as well as his determined leadership that saw his team thrive on difficult situations and back themselves to come out on top. Warner persisted with a four-pronged fast bowling attack in a league wherein other teams prized their spinners and heavily depended on them, given the subcontinental conditions.

Apart from finishing as the second highest run-scorer in the tournament with 848 runs in his tally from 17 matches, Warner also made the best use of the available resources to guide his side to victories in crucial situations. The Sunrisers bowling attack that comprised of names like Ashish Nehra, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mustafizur Rahman, and Barinder Sran made a name for itself as the best bowling attack amongst all teams in the league and the results were visible by the time the tournament came to an end. Bhuvneshwar Kumar finished as the winner of the Purple Cap with 23 wickets to his name, while Mustafizur Rahman was the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 17 wickets.

Warner’s utilization of the fast bowlers and medium pacers like Moises Henriques and Ben Cutting to excellent effect, and his side’s brilliant work in the field, that involved some spectacular catches taken by Warner himself made them a deadly package to reckon with.