2018 was yet another topsy-turvy year in international cricket. The young leaders, who have emerged out of the shadows of the senior player led their teams with a lot of intensity. While not invincible, every captain in the past year has tried to lead by example and set a blueprint for their teammates on how to exemplify their passion for the game by leaving no stone unturned to win the game but in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-in-2018-5-spirit-of-cricket-moments-from-the-year/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the right spirit</a>.

There is no denying the fact that there have been decisions taken by the skippers which were perplexing in the context of the game. But that may just be the stepping stone for them to become the greatest captain in the future. We take a look at the top five best captains in the year 2018.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/11/Sarfraz-Ahmed-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-294616" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sarfraz-Ahmed-1.jpg" alt="Sarfraz Ahmed" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-294616" class="wp-caption-text">Sarfraz Ahmed. (Photo by AAMIR QURESHI/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Th aggressive wicketkeeper-batsman was ascended to the captaincy role in 2016 for Pakistan’s T20I team. The following year Sarfraz was assigned to lead the team in ODIs and Tests as well.

The fondest memory of his captaincy career has been winning the Champions Trophy in 2017. While there are still questions looming over his longer format leadership and the ODI captaincy, under the 31-year old, the national team has never lost a T20 international series to date. Pakistan will walk in the upcoming World Cup in England hoping to replicate their Champions Trophy performance from 2017.

The year 2018 started with Pakistan getting clean swept in the five-match ODI series against the Black Caps. They went on to win the three-match T20I series comprehensively by 2-1. The Men in Green also stormed to victory in the shortest format against sides like Windies, New Zealand, Australia, and Zimbabwe in 2018.

Sarfraz has, however, been accused of not leading from the front as a batsman. An evidence of this was the crushing Test series defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the UAE. While his wicketkeeping had been om point, Sarfraz’s lack of contribution as a batsman in crucial times added to the team&#8217;s woes.

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<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/11/Joe-Root-England.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-293763" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Joe-Root-England.jpg" alt="England captain Joe Roo" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-293763" class="wp-caption-text">England captain Joe Root. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The current English Test captain was destined for big things straight away as he walked into the Test team in 2012. He made his Test debut against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/australia-vs-india-visiting-team-displays-great-affection-towards-archie-schiller/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India</a> in 2012 and showed excellent composure and technique with the bat as England cruised to a series win in India after 28 years.

The Yorkshire born took over captaincy reigns from <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/former-england-skipper-alastair-cook-set-to-be-knighted-on-new-years-eve/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alastair Cook</a> in the year 2017. The year 2018 started with Root’s men being humbled by Australia and they surrendered the urn with a 4-0 defeat down under. England, under Root, endured yet another Test series defeat, this time against New Zealand in March.

In May 2018, they toured Pakistan for a two-Test series. The first match ended in a crushing defeat at Lord’s. Dominic Bess, who had made zero impact in the first Test proved to be the big difference in the second Test. The off-spinner was involved in a partnership of 62 with David Malan as England took an insurmountable lead of 189. Persisting with the off-spinner was a brilliant move as it paid off rich dividends.

England faced a daunting challenge when they hosted India in the five-match Test series in the month of August. Though Root couldn’t make each of his chance count but his crucial innings at Southampton in 2nd innings and at the Oval in fourth and fifth Test respectively batted India totally out of the game. England romped to a 4-1 series win, with Root scoring 319 runs across five Tests.

The English team’s next assignment in the longest format was in the subcontinent against Sri Lanka &#8211; a three-match series. It was here that the 27-year-old cemented his legacy as one of the greatest English captains in history. The visitors soared to a rare clean sweep in an away Test series.

3. Kane Williamson &#8211; New Zealand

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/12/Kane-Williamson-3.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-299270" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kane-Williamson-3.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-299270" class="wp-caption-text">Kane Williamson. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Kane Williamson had been the obvious choice for the captaincy role after <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/brendon-mccullum-hints-at-retirement-after-ipl-snub/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brendon McCullum</a>’s retirement in 2016. A cool-headed player, New Zealand, under Williamson haven’t become giants but have done well enough to stay afloat with their competitors.

The Black Caps have played a minimum number of matches in the current year but had a very good outing in the UAE against Pakistan. The year 2018 got underway with the hosts scoring a resounding 5-0 series victory against Pakistan. The Kiwis, however, ended up losing the T20I series 2-1 and the Trans-Tasman tri-series, involving Australia and England.

The English team travelled to the Trans-Tasman country to play a five-match One-day series and a two-match Test series. The tourists took the limited-overs series while the hosts won the Test series.

In October, Williamson&#8217;s men travelled to the UAE for a bilateral series. After the tourists were clean swept in the T20I series and a hard-fought ODI series ending in a draw, the Test series was acclaimed as one of the best series to have been played in the recent times.

Led by Williamson, New Zealand achieved their first away Test series victory against Pakistan since 1969. With the series in the third Test tied, the skipper led from the front and brought the best out of him in both the innings. A poised half-century followed by a well-constructed century in the 2nd innings led New Zealand to a historic series win. Williamson emerged as the highest run-scorer in the Test series, with 386 runs.

Along with being one of the best batsman of this generation, Williamson is also one of the astute captains. He has been highly inspirational but still has a long way to go as a captain but one thing that stands out in his leadership skill is his ability to be street-smart.

2. Virat Kohli &#8211; India

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/12/Team-India-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-304566" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Team-India-2.jpg" alt="Indian team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-304566" class="wp-caption-text">Virat Kohli of India speaks to teammates in a huddle. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The Indian captain could possibly be known as the greatest captain that the team has had by the time he retires. Virat Kohli has revolutionised the Indian team over the few years with his aggressive captaincy and his magnificent batting display all over the globe.

While the Indian team had a memorable outing in limited-overs matches, their only defeat came in ODI series against England in 2018. The team has also emerged victorious in Test series against Afghanistan and the Windies at home but their overseas performance in the Test series have suffered soul-crushing losses in South Africa and England.

While the captain has been largely impressive, the rest of the batting line-up has disintegrated majorly. The 30-year-old has improved himself to not only be the greatest limited-overs batsman in the world but also the best Test batsman currently, sitting comfortably at the top of the ICC rankings.

Though known for his aggressive and attacking captaincy, the Delhi-born has also been widely criticized for error in judgement with regards to the team selection.

Virat is also known for his over-aggressiveness on the field which has backfired and the team has had to cope the negative result. He already has a great record while leading the side and with age on his side, he has has it all to become the greatest captain in the world. But only, provided he can keep his emotions in check and get his decisions and team selections tactically correct along with inspiring players as a captain and not only as a batsman.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/07/England.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-267970" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/England.jpg" alt="England captain Eoin Morgan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-267970" class="wp-caption-text">England captain Eoin Morgan. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Eoin Morgan was appointed as the captain after <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-in-2018-5-spirit-of-cricket-moments-from-the-year/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alastair Cook</a> was axed as the captain of the ODI side. Morgan, 32, has triggered a complete overhaul of the limited-overs side by introducing a fearless brand of cricket. He has also used the players to a very good effect, and that has brought out the best in them during adversities.

2018 has been a remarkable year for England in limited-overs cricket, having won nearly all the ODI series starting with a complete domination over Australia down under, however, they lost the T20 international tri-series against Australia and New Zealand. They squared off against New Zealand next, winning the 50-overs matches by a margin of 3-2 and whitewashing Australia in the month of June. Their only notable and stunning defeat was against Scotland in a one-off ODI when the latter managed to defend a score of 370 to beat the No. 1 ODI side. They lost the T20I series against India at home but won the ODI series against them.

The English team travelled to the sub-continent next to play Sri Lanka where the visitors again stood triumphant in the sole T20 international and won the ODI series 3-1. Morgan was named the Man of Series in the five-match ODI series with 195 runs.

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Get the latest Cricket News and all the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/tag/cricket-in-2018/">Cricket in 2018</a> articles, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-match-predictions/">Match Predictions</a>, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/fantasy-cricket-tips/">Fantasy Cricket Tips </a>and lots more on <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/">CricTracker.com</a>.

2018 was yet another topsy-turvy year in international cricket. The young leaders, who have emerged out of the shadows of the senior player led their teams with a lot of intensity.&nbsp;While not invincible, every captain in the past year has tried to lead by example and set a blueprint for their teammates on how to exemplify their passion for the game by leaving no stone unturned to win the game but in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-in-2018-5-spirit-of-cricket-moments-from-the-year/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the right spirit</a>.
There is no denying the fact that there have been decisions taken by the skippers which were perplexing in the context of the game. But that may just be the stepping stone for them to become the greatest captain in the future.&nbsp;We take a look at the top five best captains in the year 2018.
<h3>5. Sarfraz Ahmed – Pakistan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_294616" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-294616" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/11/Sarfraz-Ahmed-1.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-294616" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sarfraz-Ahmed-1.jpg" alt="Sarfraz Ahmed" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-294616" class="wp-caption-text">Sarfraz Ahmed. (Photo by AAMIR QURESHI/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Th aggressive wicketkeeper-batsman was ascended to the captaincy role in 2016 for Pakistan’s T20I team. The following year Sarfraz was assigned to lead the team in ODIs and Tests as well.
The fondest memory of his captaincy career has been winning the Champions Trophy in 2017. While there are still questions looming over his longer format leadership and the ODI captaincy, under the 31-year old, the national team has never lost a T20 international series to date. Pakistan will walk in the upcoming World Cup in England hoping to replicate their Champions Trophy performance from 2017.
The year 2018 started with Pakistan getting clean swept in the five-match ODI series against the Black Caps. They went on to win the three-match T20I series comprehensively by 2-1. The Men in Green also stormed to victory in the shortest format against sides like Windies, New Zealand, Australia, and Zimbabwe in 2018.
Sarfraz has, however, been accused of not leading from the front as a batsman. An evidence of this was the crushing Test series defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the UAE. While his wicketkeeping had been om point, Sarfraz’s lack of contribution as a batsman in crucial times added to the team’s woes.
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<h3>4. Joe Root – England</h3>
<figure id="attachment_293763" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-293763" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/11/Joe-Root-England.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-293763" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Joe-Root-England.jpg" alt="England captain Joe Roo" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-293763" class="wp-caption-text">England captain Joe Root. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The current English Test captain was destined for big things straight away as he walked into the Test team in 2012. He made his Test debut against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/australia-vs-india-visiting-team-displays-great-affection-towards-archie-schiller/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India</a> in 2012 and showed excellent composure and technique with the bat as England cruised to a series win in India after 28 years.
The Yorkshire born took over captaincy reigns from <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/former-england-skipper-alastair-cook-set-to-be-knighted-on-new-years-eve/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alastair Cook</a> in the year 2017. The year 2018 started with Root’s men being humbled by Australia and they surrendered the urn with a 4-0 defeat down under. England, under Root, endured yet another Test series defeat, this time against New Zealand in March.
In May 2018, they toured Pakistan for a two-Test series. The first match ended in a crushing defeat at Lord’s. Dominic Bess, who had made zero impact in the first Test proved to be the big difference in the second Test. The off-spinner was involved in a partnership of 62 with David Malan as England took an insurmountable lead of 189.&nbsp;Persisting with the off-spinner was a brilliant move as it paid off rich dividends.&nbsp;
England faced a daunting challenge when they hosted India in the five-match Test series in the month of August. Though Root couldn’t make each of his chance count but his crucial innings at Southampton in 2nd innings and at the Oval in fourth and fifth Test respectively batted India totally out of the game. England romped to a 4-1 series win, with Root scoring 319 runs across five Tests.
The English team’s next assignment in the longest format was in the subcontinent against Sri Lanka – a three-match series. It was here that the 27-year-old cemented his legacy as one of the greatest English captains in history. The visitors soared to a rare clean sweep in an away Test series.
<h3>3. Kane Williamson – New Zealand</h3>
<figure id="attachment_299270" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-299270" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/12/Kane-Williamson-3.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-299270" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kane-Williamson-3.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-299270" class="wp-caption-text">Kane Williamson. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Kane Williamson had been the obvious choice for the captaincy role after <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/brendon-mccullum-hints-at-retirement-after-ipl-snub/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brendon McCullum</a>’s retirement in 2016. A cool-headed player, New Zealand, under Williamson haven’t become giants but have done well enough to stay afloat with their competitors.
The Black Caps have played a minimum number of matches in the current year but had a very good outing in the UAE against Pakistan. The year 2018 got underway with the hosts scoring a resounding 5-0 series victory against Pakistan. The Kiwis, however, ended up losing the T20I series 2-1 and the Trans-Tasman tri-series, involving Australia and England.
The English team travelled to the Trans-Tasman country to play a five-match One-day series and a two-match Test series. The tourists took the limited-overs series while the hosts won the Test series.
In October, Williamson’s men travelled to the UAE for a bilateral series. After the tourists were clean swept in the T20I series and a hard-fought ODI series ending in a draw, the Test series was acclaimed as one of the best series to have been played in the recent times.
Led by Williamson, New Zealand achieved their first away Test series victory against Pakistan since 1969. With the series in the third Test tied, the skipper led from the front and brought the best out of him in both the innings. A poised half-century followed by a well-constructed century in the 2nd innings led New Zealand to a historic series win. Williamson emerged as the highest run-scorer in the Test series, with 386 runs.
Along with being one of the best batsman of this generation, Williamson is also one of the astute captains. He has been highly inspirational but still has a long way to go as a captain but one thing that stands out in his leadership skill is his ability to be street-smart.
<h3>2.&nbsp;Virat Kohli – India</h3>
<figure id="attachment_304566" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-304566" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/12/Team-India-2.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-304566" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Team-India-2.jpg" alt="Indian team" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-304566" class="wp-caption-text">Virat Kohli of India speaks to teammates in a huddle. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The Indian captain could possibly be known as the greatest captain that the team has had by the time he retires. Virat Kohli has revolutionised the Indian team over the few years with his aggressive captaincy and his magnificent batting display all over the globe.
While the Indian team had a memorable outing in limited-overs matches, their only defeat came in ODI series against England in 2018. The team has also emerged victorious in Test series against Afghanistan and the Windies at home but their overseas performance in the Test series have suffered soul-crushing losses in South Africa and England.
While the captain has been largely impressive, the rest of the batting line-up has disintegrated majorly. The 30-year-old has improved himself to not only be the greatest limited-overs batsman in the world but also the best Test batsman currently, sitting comfortably at the top of the ICC rankings.
Though known for his aggressive and attacking captaincy, the Delhi-born has also been widely criticized for error in judgement with regards to the team selection.&nbsp;
Virat is also known for his over-aggressiveness on the field which has backfired and the team has had to cope the negative result. He already has a great record while leading the side and with age on his side, he has has it all to become the greatest captain in the world. But only, provided he can keep his emotions in check and get his decisions and team selections tactically correct along with inspiring players as a captain and not only as a batsman.
<h3>1. Eoin Morgan – England</h3>
<figure id="attachment_267970" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-267970" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/07/England.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-267970" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/England.jpg" alt="England captain Eoin Morgan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-267970" class="wp-caption-text">England captain Eoin Morgan. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Eoin Morgan was appointed as the captain after <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-in-2018-5-spirit-of-cricket-moments-from-the-year/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alastair Cook</a> was axed as the captain of the ODI side. Morgan, 32, has triggered a complete overhaul of the limited-overs side by introducing a fearless brand of cricket. He has also used the players to a very good effect, and that has brought out the best in them during adversities.
2018 has been a remarkable year for England in limited-overs cricket, having won nearly all the ODI series starting with a complete domination over Australia down under, however, they lost the T20 international tri-series against Australia and New Zealand. They squared off against New Zealand next, winning the 50-overs matches by a margin of 3-2 and whitewashing Australia in the month of June. Their only notable and stunning defeat was against Scotland in a one-off ODI when the latter managed to defend a score of 370 to beat the No. 1 ODI side. They lost the T20I series against India at home but won the ODI series against them.
The English team travelled to the sub-continent next to play Sri Lanka where the visitors again stood triumphant in the sole T20 international and won the ODI series 3-1. Morgan was named the Man of Series in the five-match ODI series with 195 runs.
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<h4 class="p1">Get the latest&nbsp;Cricket News&nbsp;and all the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/tag/cricket-in-2018/">Cricket in 2018</a>&nbsp;articles,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-match-predictions/">Match Predictions</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/fantasy-cricket-tips/">Fantasy Cricket Tips&nbsp;</a>and lots more on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/">CricTracker.com</a>.</h4>

2018 was yet another topsy-turvy year in international cricket. The young leaders, who have emerged out of the shadows of the senior player led their teams with a lot of intensity. While not invincible, every captain in the past year has tried to lead by example and set a blueprint for their teammates on how to exemplify their passion for the game by leaving no stone unturned to win the game but in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-in-2018-5-spirit-of-cricket-moments-from-the-year/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the right spirit</a>.
There is no denying the fact that there have been decisions taken by the skippers which were perplexing in the context of the game. But that may just be the stepping stone for them to become the greatest captain in the future. We take a look at the top five best captains in the year 2018.
<h3>5. Sarfraz Ahmed &#8211; Pakistan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_294616" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-294616" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/11/Sarfraz-Ahmed-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-294616" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sarfraz-Ahmed-1.jpg" alt="Sarfraz Ahmed" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-294616" class="wp-caption-text">Sarfraz Ahmed. (Photo by AAMIR QURESHI/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Th aggressive wicketkeeper-batsman was ascended to the captaincy role in 2016 for Pakistan’s T20I team. The following year Sarfraz was assigned to lead the team in ODIs and Tests as well.
The fondest memory of his captaincy career has been winning the Champions Trophy in 2017. While there are still questions looming over his longer format leadership and the ODI captaincy, under the 31-year old, the national team has never lost a T20 international series to date. Pakistan will walk in the upcoming World Cup in England hoping to replicate their Champions Trophy performance from 2017.
The year 2018 started with Pakistan getting clean swept in the five-match ODI series against the Black Caps. They went on to win the three-match T20I series comprehensively by 2-1. The Men in Green also stormed to victory in the shortest format against sides like Windies, New Zealand, Australia, and Zimbabwe in 2018.
Sarfraz has, however, been accused of not leading from the front as a batsman. An evidence of this was the crushing Test series defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the UAE. While his wicketkeeping had been om point, Sarfraz’s lack of contribution as a batsman in crucial times added to the team&#8217;s woes.
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<h3>4. Joe Root &#8211; England</h3>
<figure id="attachment_293763" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-293763" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/11/Joe-Root-England.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-293763" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Joe-Root-England.jpg" alt="England captain Joe Roo" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-293763" class="wp-caption-text">England captain Joe Root. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The current English Test captain was destined for big things straight away as he walked into the Test team in 2012. He made his Test debut against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/australia-vs-india-visiting-team-displays-great-affection-towards-archie-schiller/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India</a> in 2012 and showed excellent composure and technique with the bat as England cruised to a series win in India after 28 years.
The Yorkshire born took over captaincy reigns from <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/former-england-skipper-alastair-cook-set-to-be-knighted-on-new-years-eve/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alastair Cook</a> in the year 2017. The year 2018 started with Root’s men being humbled by Australia and they surrendered the urn with a 4-0 defeat down under. England, under Root, endured yet another Test series defeat, this time against New Zealand in March.
In May 2018, they toured Pakistan for a two-Test series. The first match ended in a crushing defeat at Lord’s. Dominic Bess, who had made zero impact in the first Test proved to be the big difference in the second Test. The off-spinner was involved in a partnership of 62 with David Malan as England took an insurmountable lead of 189. Persisting with the off-spinner was a brilliant move as it paid off rich dividends. 
England faced a daunting challenge when they hosted India in the five-match Test series in the month of August. Though Root couldn’t make each of his chance count but his crucial innings at Southampton in 2nd innings and at the Oval in fourth and fifth Test respectively batted India totally out of the game. England romped to a 4-1 series win, with Root scoring 319 runs across five Tests.
The English team’s next assignment in the longest format was in the subcontinent against Sri Lanka &#8211; a three-match series. It was here that the 27-year-old cemented his legacy as one of the greatest English captains in history. The visitors soared to a rare clean sweep in an away Test series.
<h3>3. Kane Williamson &#8211; New Zealand</h3>
<figure id="attachment_299270" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-299270" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/12/Kane-Williamson-3.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-299270" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kane-Williamson-3.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-299270" class="wp-caption-text">Kane Williamson. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Kane Williamson had been the obvious choice for the captaincy role after <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/brendon-mccullum-hints-at-retirement-after-ipl-snub/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brendon McCullum</a>’s retirement in 2016. A cool-headed player, New Zealand, under Williamson haven’t become giants but have done well enough to stay afloat with their competitors.
The Black Caps have played a minimum number of matches in the current year but had a very good outing in the UAE against Pakistan. The year 2018 got underway with the hosts scoring a resounding 5-0 series victory against Pakistan. The Kiwis, however, ended up losing the T20I series 2-1 and the Trans-Tasman tri-series, involving Australia and England.
The English team travelled to the Trans-Tasman country to play a five-match One-day series and a two-match Test series. The tourists took the limited-overs series while the hosts won the Test series.
In October, Williamson&#8217;s men travelled to the UAE for a bilateral series. After the tourists were clean swept in the T20I series and a hard-fought ODI series ending in a draw, the Test series was acclaimed as one of the best series to have been played in the recent times.
Led by Williamson, New Zealand achieved their first away Test series victory against Pakistan since 1969. With the series in the third Test tied, the skipper led from the front and brought the best out of him in both the innings. A poised half-century followed by a well-constructed century in the 2nd innings led New Zealand to a historic series win. Williamson emerged as the highest run-scorer in the Test series, with 386 runs.
Along with being one of the best batsman of this generation, Williamson is also one of the astute captains. He has been highly inspirational but still has a long way to go as a captain but one thing that stands out in his leadership skill is his ability to be street-smart.
<h3>2. Virat Kohli &#8211; India</h3>
<figure id="attachment_304566" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-304566" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/12/Team-India-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-304566" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Team-India-2.jpg" alt="Indian team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-304566" class="wp-caption-text">Virat Kohli of India speaks to teammates in a huddle. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The Indian captain could possibly be known as the greatest captain that the team has had by the time he retires. Virat Kohli has revolutionised the Indian team over the few years with his aggressive captaincy and his magnificent batting display all over the globe.
While the Indian team had a memorable outing in limited-overs matches, their only defeat came in ODI series against England in 2018. The team has also emerged victorious in Test series against Afghanistan and the Windies at home but their overseas performance in the Test series have suffered soul-crushing losses in South Africa and England.
While the captain has been largely impressive, the rest of the batting line-up has disintegrated majorly. The 30-year-old has improved himself to not only be the greatest limited-overs batsman in the world but also the best Test batsman currently, sitting comfortably at the top of the ICC rankings.
Though known for his aggressive and attacking captaincy, the Delhi-born has also been widely criticized for error in judgement with regards to the team selection. 
Virat is also known for his over-aggressiveness on the field which has backfired and the team has had to cope the negative result. He already has a great record while leading the side and with age on his side, he has has it all to become the greatest captain in the world. But only, provided he can keep his emotions in check and get his decisions and team selections tactically correct along with inspiring players as a captain and not only as a batsman.
<h3>1. Eoin Morgan &#8211; England</h3>
<figure id="attachment_267970" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-267970" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/07/England.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-267970" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/England.jpg" alt="England captain Eoin Morgan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-267970" class="wp-caption-text">England captain Eoin Morgan. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Eoin Morgan was appointed as the captain after <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-in-2018-5-spirit-of-cricket-moments-from-the-year/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alastair Cook</a> was axed as the captain of the ODI side. Morgan, 32, has triggered a complete overhaul of the limited-overs side by introducing a fearless brand of cricket. He has also used the players to a very good effect, and that has brought out the best in them during adversities.
2018 has been a remarkable year for England in limited-overs cricket, having won nearly all the ODI series starting with a complete domination over Australia down under, however, they lost the T20 international tri-series against Australia and New Zealand. They squared off against New Zealand next, winning the 50-overs matches by a margin of 3-2 and whitewashing Australia in the month of June. Their only notable and stunning defeat was against Scotland in a one-off ODI when the latter managed to defend a score of 370 to beat the No. 1 ODI side. They lost the T20I series against India at home but won the ODI series against them.
The English team travelled to the sub-continent next to play Sri Lanka where the visitors again stood triumphant in the sole T20 international and won the ODI series 3-1. Morgan was named the Man of Series in the five-match ODI series with 195 runs.
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An analysis of the top captains in international cricket across all the formats based on their individual and the team performance.

Cricket in 2018: Top 5 best captains of the year

Cricket in 2018: Top 5 best captains of the year - Virat Kohli India, Sarfraz Ahmed Pakistan, Kane Williamson New Zealand, Joe Root England

Cricket in 2018: Top 5 best captains of the year

An analysis of the top captains in international cricket across all the formats based on their individual and the team performance.

1. Eoin Morgan – England

Get the latest Cricket News and all the Cricket in 2018 articles, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.