Sportskeeda Cricket Awards 2017: Top 5 ODI captains of the year

#1 Sarfraz Ahmed

Sarfraz brings to the table old-fashioned leadership

Barring the 2009 World T20 win, the last decade for Pakistan has been as inconsistent as the side itself. Filled with talented, but seemingly directionless individuals, the side have lacked the galvanizing power of an Imran Khan in their ranks. Azhar Ali's departure as ODI captain has been, perhaps, a silver lining.

The vociferous Sarfraz Ahmed knows a thing or two about winning, he led the U-19 team to an unforeseen World Cup win in 2006, but could never become a mainstay in the national side in the last decade. The fortunes have turned again, and Sarfraz is now one of the most dependable cricketers in the country, with the ability to get work done out of his men when the situation demands.

The results have been there for all to see, but none has been as symbolic as the Champions Trophy victory, over arch-rivals India in the finals, in the process obliterating a humiliating record in ICC events, and more importantly, making the team click as a whole. A major credit goes to the captain for empowering the youth to make the biggest stage its own.

A plant doesn't become a tree overnight, and Pakistan continue to blow hot and cold, as they did throughout 2017, although the CT win did them a world of good. The year started on an ominous note as they hurtled to a 4-1 humiliation at the hands of Australia, but steadied the ship with a series win against West Indies. Post the Champions Trophy, they did not play much, but ended the year after having flattened Sri Lanka 5-0 at their adopted home in the United Arab Emirates.