Poll: Jadeja, Raina or McCullum, who should lead Rajkot in IPL

The IPL 2016 is set to feature 2 new teams and the player’s draft generated lot of interest from fans and media alike. Ravindra Jadeja, Suresh Raina and Brendon McCullum are the 3 big players picked by the Intex-owned Rajkot franchise. While Jadeja brings in all-round skills along with being the local lad, Raina and McCullum add the kind of aggression that can take the game away from the opposition. It will be interesting to see who will lead this new franchise in their debut season in the IPL.

Raina has captained India in 12 ODIs off which the team won 6 and lost 5 matches. A solitary match ended in no result, being affected by rain. The dashing left-hander impressed everyone with his captaincy skills in the away series win against West Indies in 2011. India won the series 3-2 however Raina’s batted poorly averaging just 16.4. His top score as a captain is only 43 from 12 matches, a disappointing record for someone who has played over 200 ODIs for his country. Captaincy is a tedious task that requires a lot of effort. History has proved that great batsmen do not always make great captains.

Brendon McCullum is a superstar of world cricket. The current skipper of New Zealand in all formats is a destructive batsman who loves taking on the bowlers. He is a well-respected leader who has played a key role in the rise of New Zealand’s cricket. The Kiwis entered a world cup final for the first time under him and ultimately finished with the runners-up trophy. He has led his country in 28 Test matches off which they won 10 and lost 9. Under his leadership, the Kiwis have won 30 ODIs and lost 21. In the shortest format of the game he has led the team on 28 occasions winning 12 and losing 15 matches. His IPL record though is miserable at best. He led the Kolkata Knight Riders in a forgettable 2009 season which saw the team losing 9 and winning only 3 matches.

He has led his country in 28 Test matches off which they won 10 and lost 9. Under his leadership, the Kiwis have won 30 ODIs and lost 21. In the shortest format of the game he has led the team on 28 occasions winning 12 and losing 15 matches. His IPL record though is miserable at best. He led the Kolkata Knight Riders in a forgettable 2009 season which saw the team losing 9 and winning only 3 matches.

Ravindra Jadeja has made a stellar comeback to the national team with his exceptional performances against South Africa in the recently concluded Test series. He is one of the best cricketers to have ever emerged from the Saurashtra region. He represents them in Ranji Trophy and had been a prolific all-rounder for the team. Being the local hero, his performances will be keenly followed by the cricket loving people of Gujarat. The Rajkot franchise is the first IPL team from the colourful state and a local player leading the side will generate greater buzz for the new entrants. Jadeja was Virat Kohli’s deputy in India’s U-19 world cup winning team in 2008. He was selected by the Rajasthan Royals for the inaugural season of the IPL in the same year and played an important role in their victory. He may not have the experience of leading an international side however given his current form and the fact that he the region’s best cricketer makes him a strong candidate for the role of a captain.

Being the local hero, his performances will be keenly followed by the cricket loving people of Gujarat. The Rajkot franchise is the first IPL team from the colourful state and a local player leading the side will generate greater buzz for the new entrants. Jadeja was Virat Kohli’s deputy in India’s U19 world cup winning team in 2008. He was selected by the Rajasthan Royals for the inaugural season of the IPL in the same year and played an important role in their victory. He may not have the experience of leading an international side however given his current form and the fact that he the region’s best cricketer makes him a strong candidate for the role of a captain.

The Rajkot franchise may well pick some other big names in the IPL auction, however, Jadeja, Raina and McCullum are the best options for captaincy duties. McCullum has international experience however his IPL captaincy record is poor while Raina’s batting seemed a concern whenever he led India. In IPL, a franchise has to engage in lots of promotional events that help build a fan base. Being their debut season, the Rajkot franchise will need these events and Jadeja, being a local lad, can be the best option to communicate with the fans and attract wider interest. We let the fans vote their choice in this three-way contest.

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