Kane Williamson stepped down as New Zealand’s white-ball captain following their early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024.
None of the “Fab Four”—Steve Smith, Virat Kohli, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson—are now permanent captains of their respective national teams, marking the end of a decade-long period during which these stalwarts led their sides across formats.
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Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli assumed the captaincy for the first time during a Caribbean tri-series in 2013. Across formats, he led India in 213 matches, securing 135 victories, resulting in a commendable win/loss ratio of 2.25.
His tenure had the most profound impact in Test cricket, where India won 40 out of 68 matches under his leadership. Additionally, Kohli leads India to victories in 65 ODIs and 30 T20Is.
Steve Smith
Steve Smith took over as Australia’s captain in 2014 during a home Test series against India and led until 2018 when the Sandpaper-gate scandal led to his ban.
Smith returned intermittently to leadership roles, overseeing Australia in Tests and ODIs when required. Overall, he captained in 104 matches, securing 55 wins with a win/loss ratio of 1.41.
Notably, Smith achieved 21 wins out of 38 Tests, although his leadership in limited-overs cricket saw mixed results.
Joe Root
Joe Root began his captaincy journey for England in 2017 during a home Test series against South Africa, exclusively leading in Test cricket.
Under his captaincy, England won 27 out of 64 Tests, yielding a win/loss ratio of 1.038, the lowest among the Fab Four. Despite this, Root’s tenure is distinguished by its longevity and significant number of victories, the highest among England Test captains.
Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson initiated his captaincy in 2012 during a white-ball tour against the West Indies and began leading the Test side in 2016. Under his leadership, New Zealand secured 107 wins out of 206 matches, with a win/loss ratio of 1.273.
Notably, he achieved a 2.20 win/loss ratio in Test matches, with 22 victories out of 40. While his record in limited-overs cricket was more modest, with ratios of 1.15 in ODIs and 1.147 in T20Is, Williamson’s crowning achievement was leading New Zealand to victory in the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021—the only ICC trophy among the Fab Four.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s unmatched win/loss ratio across formats, Steve Smith and Kane Williamson’s dominance in Test cricket, and Joe Root’s enduring tenure highlight the distinct legacies each captain leaves behind.
However, Williamson’s ICC trophy victory underscores his ability to lead New Zealand to significant triumphs on the global stage.
As this era of the Fab Four’s captaincy concludes, each has left a lasting legacy, contributing immensely to their national teams and the world of cricket.
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