What Makes a GOOD Grass Root Cricket Captain?

At the grass root level of cricket, the role of a captain is often misunderstood or undervalued. Too many clubs fall into the trap of electing captains based on popularity, politics, or friendships rather than leadership ability and cricketing intelligence. A good captain is not simply someone who tosses the coin or sets the field. They are the heartbeat of the team, the one who makes the tough calls, inspires confidence, and ensures that every player is treated fairly .

During my cricketing career, I have constantly witnessed the captaincy being handed to someone who has been around the longest, is well-liked, or has connections with committee members. While experience and rapport are valuable, they should never override the fundamental qualities of leadership, tactical awareness, and fairness. A captain must be chosen for their ability to lead, not for their ability to please.

The difference between a strong captain and a weak one can be the difference between a team that grows together and achieves success, and one that stagnates under poor leadership. A strong captain creates an environment where players feel valued, motivated, and challenged. They foster a culture of accountability and development, where performances are recognised and opportunities are earned. A weak captain, on the other hand, often breeds frustration and division, players are picked based on favouritism, decisions are inconsistent, and the team lacks direction.

Grass root cricket is where habits are formed, confidence is built, and players begin to understand the nuances of the game. It is here that the captain’s influence is most profound. Young players look up to their captain not just for tactical guidance but also for emotional support and encouragement. A captain who leads with integrity and clarity can shape a player’s mindset for years to come.

Leadership at this level is not about grand speeches or dramatic gestures. It’s about being present, being fair, and being willing to make the hard decisions when others shy away. It’s about knowing when to back a player who’s struggling, when to rotate the bowling attack, and when to shift the field to apply pressure. It’s about understanding the rhythm of the game and the temperament of your team.

"The captain has to be the fulcrum of the side, the one who balances personalities and brings out the best in others" -Mike Brearley

This is especially true in club cricket, where teams are often made up of a mix of juniors, seniors, and occasional players. Managing these dynamics requires emotional intelligence, patience, and a clear sense of purpose.

A good captain also understands that their role extends beyond match day. They are involved in training sessions, mentoring younger players, and setting the tone for how the team conducts itself on and off the field. They communicate openly, listen actively, and ensure that every player knows where they stand. They don’t shy away from difficult conversations, but they handle them with respect and honesty.

Ultimately, the captain is the bridge between the players and the club. They represent the team’s values, ambitions, and standards. When chosen wisely and supported properly, a grass root captain can be the catalyst for long-term success, both for individual players and the club as a whole.

Here are some key principles for developing and recognising good grass root captains.

Tip #1 - Pick on merit, not politics!

A good captain selects players based on performance, commitment, and dedication to training. They avoid the trap of club politics, where mates are picked ahead of deserving players. The captain’s responsibility is to put the best team on the field, not to keep everyone happy.

When captains allow politics to dictate selection, the team suffers. Promotion opportunities are missed, matches are lost, and resentment builds among players who are overlooked despite consistent performances.

“Leadership is not about being liked. It is about being fair and doing what is right for the team.”  - Anonymous

Tip #2 - Lead with authority and presence

The best captains I have played under always had a dominant character, a presence that commanded respect. They were not afraid to make tough decisions, whether that meant dropping a player, changing the batting order, or sticking with a bowler who was containing runs even if wickets were not falling.

Authority does not mean arrogance. It means being decisive, consistent, and clear in communication. Players should feel that their captain is someone who knows the game, understands situations, and will not be swayed by external pressures.

“A captain must be a leader, not a follower. He must set the tone for the team.” – Sir Ian Botham

Tip #3 - Play to win, not to please!

Grass root cricket often suffers from captains who try to please everyone. They rotate players unnecessarily, give opportunities to those who lack commitment, and compromise the team’s chances of winning. A good captain plays to win. They understand that not everyone can have a role in every match, and they make decisions that serve the team’s success above all else.

Winning builds confidence, and confidence builds development. Players learn more from being part of a competitive, focused side than from being indulged in a team that prioritises politics over performance.

“Winning is not everything, but wanting to win is.” – Vince Lombardi

Tip #4 - Adapt to the game situation!

A strong captain reads the game and adapts accordingly. They change batting orders when things are not working, adjust field settings to apply pressure, and rotate bowlers based on conditions rather than rigid plans.

For example, removing a bowler who is conceding only one run per over simply because they are not taking wickets is poor captaincy. Containment is as valuable as breakthroughs, and a good captain recognises the importance of building pressure.

Tip #5 - Treat players fairly and equally

Fairness is the hallmark of a respected captain. They do not give special treatment to mates or favourites. They give players genuine chances to prove themselves, and they reward performances with opportunities.

A player averaging 20 at number 11 should not be ignored while someone averaging 8 continues to bat at number 3 simply because of politics. Merit must always come first.

“Respect is earned by fairness, not favouritism.” – Clive Lloyd

Tip #6 - Communicate and Listen!

Good captains do not dictate blindly. They listen to experienced players, seek advice from those who have played at higher levels, and use that knowledge to make informed decisions. They also communicate clearly with their team, explaining decisions and encouraging feedback.

After matches, a strong captain speaks to the team, takes criticism, and engages in open Q&A. This builds trust and ensures that players feel valued and involved.

“The art of leadership is saying no, not yes. It is very easy to say yes.” – Tony Blair

Tip #7 - Don't recall a player after one strong performance!

A good captain doesn’t demote a player to a lower team after one poor performance and then immediately recall them at the first sign of improvement. Strong leadership requires a sense of fairness, consistency, and long‑term thinking. When a player is moved down, it should be because they need time, space, and regular match experience to rebuild form and confidence.

Equally, being brought back up to the senior side should be something that is earned through sustained performance, not granted on the basis of a single good outing. A run of four or five solid games demonstrates reliability, resilience, and genuine improvement. It shows that the player has addressed the issues that led to their initial drop and is now ready to contribute meaningfully at a higher level.

Captains who manage their squads in this way send a clear message: selection is based on merit, not impulse. It builds trust within the team, encourages accountability, and creates a culture where players understand that consistent effort and performance are valued above short‑term flashes of form

"A single performance changes nothing - a run of performances changes everything" - Martin Kean, County Cricket Head Coach

Tip #8 - Make Fair and Consistent Selection Decisions

A good captain does not allow a player to walk straight back into the side after 4 weeks away, particularly when the team is already performing well. It is even more unreasonable when, during their absence, the player has not trained or contributed in any meaningful way. Bringing someone straight back in under those circumstances is disruptive, unfair on those who have been working hard, and rarely produces positive results. In my experience, I have never seen a player return from a long spell away and immediately perform at their best without any prior training or fitness.

They need time to settle, regain sharpness, and reconnect with the rhythm of the team. The sensible approach is to ease them back in gradually, allowing them to rebuild both fitness and understanding before expecting them to deliver at a higher level.

The same principle applies to players who have lost confidence. Persisting with them in the top side does not help them recover; it often makes matters worse. A temporary move to a lower team gives them the chance to rebuild belief, find form, and put together a run of consistent performances without the pressure of the main stage. It is not a punishment but a developmental step, and it often leads to far stronger long‑term outcomes.

Leadership requires the courage to make difficult decisions, even when they may not be popular. The tough calls are often the right calls, and a captain who prioritises the stability of the team and the long‑term development of each player earns respect from everyone involved.

"Form returns with patience, not shortcuts; the strongest teams are built on brave decisions." - Gareth Holloway, Rugby Performance Director

Tip #9 - Respect Players' Privacy and Avoid Confrontational Behaviour

Captains must never demand access to players’ private messages, even if they discover a separate group discussing leadership or team issues. Forcing players to reveal private conversations crosses a clear boundary, damages trust, and can create unnecessary conflict. It may also raise serious concerns about privacy and coercion. Some players can even pursue legal avenue regardless what the clubs terms and conditions are under ECB Club Safe guarding rules. Follow the ECB guidance on this here: ECB Laws of Social Media and Communication

A good captain understands that leadership is not maintained through surveillance or force. If you discover that players have created a separate group to discuss the captaincy, the correct response is not to demand evidence or interrogate individuals. It requires you to respond with maturity, not confrontation. If such a situation arises, treat it as a sign that communication needs improving. Focus on rebuilding relationships, encouraging open dialogue, and creating an environment where players feel safe to speak honestly without fear of surveillance or pressure.

The ECB’s social media guidance states that WhatsApp, texts, and similar apps are part of everyday personal communication and should be used respectfully. Nothing in the guidance suggests that clubs or captains have the right to access players’ private messages.

"Trust is earned through respect, not intrusion; strong teams grow from honest conversations" - Martin Kean, County Cricket Head Coach

Tip #10 - Maintain Clear Authority

In club cricket, it is vital that the captain’s authority is respected at all times. Over many years of playing the game, it is common to see captains who hold the title on paper, while a more senior or vocal player effectively runs the team on the field. Decisions about bowling changes, field placements and the batting order must ultimately belong to the captain.

Seeking advice from experienced players is a strength, not a weakness, but asking for help does not mean handing over control. A good captain listens, considers different viewpoints and then makes a clear decision. Allowing others to regularly override those decisions can undermine leadership, confuse the team and weaken confidence in the captain’s role.

Respect is earned by being decisive, communicating clearly and taking responsibility for the choices made.

"The role of a leader is not to make every decision alone, but to make the final decision with confidence." - Michael Vaughan

"Cricket is a game of constant adjustments. The captain must be the first to adapt." - Rahul Dravid

Final thoughts

Grass root cricket clubs must recognise that captaincy is not a popularity contest. It is a responsibility that requires authority, fairness, adaptability, and a genuine cricketing brain. A good captain leads by example, plays to win, and treats every player with respect.

The wrong captain can hold back a team for years, while the right one can inspire growth, success, and unity.

As Richie Benaud once said, “Captaincy is 90 per cent luck and 10 per cent skill, but don’t try it without that 10 per cent.”

Good luck to all aspiring captains. Lead with integrity, play with passion, and remember that your decisions shape not just the outcome of matches, but the future of your club.

By no means is it an easy job for anyone to undertake, but it becomes easy for those who learn from their mistakes!

Good luck and happy cricketing from Ali Choudhry Cricket Coaching.