Captaincy Decisions That Backfired took centre stage during the unforgettable ICC events between 2023 and 2025, including the 2023 ODI World Cup, the 2024 T20 World Cup, and the 2023–25 World Test Championship cycle. These high-stakes tournaments were marked by strategic blunders that didn’t just influence match outcomes but also shaped legacies, ignited heated debates, and served as cautionary tales of leadership gone wrong under intense pressure.
In this article, we break down the Top 10 Captaincy Decisions That Backfired across ICC events between 2023 and 2025, examining the context, the logic behind each call, and the fallout that followed. Whether it was a surprising exclusion, a miscalculated bowling change, or a failed gamble under pressure these are the calls that captains will want to forget.
10. Hardik Pandya Opting to Bat First – 2024 T20 World Cup vs England
Pandya, leading in Rohit’s absence, chose to bat first in windy Barbados, where chasing teams had a massive advantage. India posted 152, and England chased it comfortably.
Why It Backfired:
Reading conditions wrong at this level are a recipe for disaster. This was one of the final Captaincy Decisions That Backfired for India in that tournament.
Stats Table:
| Match | Date | Decision | Toss Decision | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IND vs ENG | June 20, 2024 | Batted First | Yes | England won by 7 wickets |
9. Aiden Markram Excluding Tabraiz Shamsi – 2024 T20 WC Final
Despite Shamsi being in red-hot form, South Africa played an extra pacer in Barbados. The decision to ignore spin against India’s top-heavy batting lineup proved fatal as India posted 196/4.
Why It Backfired:
On a slow pitch, Shamsi’s wrist spin could’ve been a game-changer. A strategic misfire at the worst moment.
Stats Table:
| Match | Date | Decision | Shamsi Dropped | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA vs IND | June 27, 2024 | Didn’t play Shamsi | Yes | India won by 7 runs |
8. Kane Williamson Not Using Santner Against Left-Handers – 2023 World Cup
During the group stage match vs Australia, Williamson surprisingly chose not to use Mitchell Santner when Warner and Marsh, both left-handers, were struggling early. Australia recovered and went on to score 388.
Why It Backfired:
Santner had the best economy rate among spinners, and the choice not to attack with him early against two lefties was baffling.
Stats Table:
| Match | Date | Decision | Santner Overs in First 20 | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZ vs AUS | Oct 28, 2023 | Didn’t use Santner early | 0 | Australia won by 5 runs |
7. Shakib Al Hasan Resting Taskin Ahmed – 2023 WC vs Netherlands
In a must-win clash, Bangladesh rested strike bowler Taskin Ahmed citing “fatigue.” The Netherlands scored 229, and Bangladesh failed to chase. The decision raised eyebrows, especially since Taskin had just returned from a rest game.
Why It Backfired:
Resting your best pacer in a do-or-die game? One of the more questionable Captaincy Decisions That Backfired in the tournament.
Stats Table:
| Match | Date | Decision | Taskin Rested | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAN vs NED | Oct 28, 2023 | Taskin dropped | Yes | Netherlands won by 87 runs |
6. Pat Cummins Declaring Early – WTC Final 2023 vs India
In the first innings of the WTC Final, Cummins declared with Australia at 469/10, choosing not to push for a few more runs. India nearly chased down the target in the second innings but fell short by 60 runs.
Why It Backfired:
While the declaration wasn’t as glaring, a few more runs could’ve made India’s chase impossible.
Stats Table:
| Match | Date | Decision | Lead at Declaration | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUS vs IND | June 7–11, 2023 | Declared at 469 | 173 | Australia won by 60 runs |
5. Dasun Shanaka Ignoring Theekshana in Powerplay – 2023 WC vs India
Facing India in a must-win game, Sri Lanka’s captain chose not to use ace spinner Maheesh Theekshana in the first 10 overs despite the pitch offering grip. India got off to a flying start and posted 357/6.
Why It Backfired:
Theekshana’s control in the powerplay was key throughout the tournament. Shanaka’s delay allowed India’s top order to dominate.
Stats Table:
| Match | Date | Decision | Theekshana Overs in Powerplay | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL vs IND | Nov 2, 2023 | Didn’t bowl Theekshana early | 0 | India won by 302 runs |
4. Temba Bavuma Playing Injured – 2023 World Cup Semi-final vs Australia
Despite carrying a hamstring injury, Bavuma chose to open in the semi-final. He was visibly struggling and got out for a duck, putting pressure on South Africa early. The decision not to play a fully fit Reeza Hendricks cost the Proteas dearly in a low-scoring thriller.
Why It Backfired:
Bavuma’s ego-driven decision ended South Africa’s dream run, proving that sentiment can’t replace sharp tactical thinking.
Stats Table:
| Match | Date | Decision | Bavuma’s Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA vs AUS | Nov 16, 2023 | Played while injured | 0 (4) | Australia won by 3 wickets |
3. Jos Buttler Choosing to Bowl First – 2023 World Cup vs South Africa
In sweltering Mumbai conditions, England captain Jos Buttler made the bold decision to bowl first after winning the toss. South Africa capitalised, amassing 399/7. England crumbled under the heat, folding for 170.
Why It Backfired:
Chasing under the scorching sun in Wankhede was a tactical disaster. Buttler’s call was widely criticised as one of the worst Captaincy Decisions That Backfired in recent ICC history.
Stats Table:
| Match | Date | Decision | Temperature | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG vs SA | Oct 21, 2023 | Bowled first | 37°C | England lost by 229 runs |
2. Rohit Sharma Bowling Axar Patel in the 48th Over – 2023 World Cup Final
India were in control during the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia until Rohit Sharma made a curious decision, bringing on left-arm spinner Axar Patel in the 48th over with Australia needing 19 off 18. Despite Bumrah and Shami having overs left, this move allowed Maxwell to seal the chase with back-to-back sixes.
Why It Backfired:
Bowling a spinner in the death overs when two of the world’s best pacers were available cost India the game and the trophy.
Stats Table:
| Match | Date | Decision | Overs Left for Pacers | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IND vs AUS | Nov 19, 2023 | Axar bowled 48th over | 2 (Bumrah), 1 (Shami) | Australia won by 5 wickets |
1. Babar Azam Dropping Imad Wasim – 2024 T20 World Cup vs USA
In one of the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history, Pakistan’s decision to bench experienced spinner Imad Wasim for their group-stage opener against the USA backfired spectacularly. On a slow, turning pitch in Dallas, Pakistan went in with just one spinner. With the USA chasing 160, the absence of a left-arm spinner became glaring as the hosts stunned the 2009 champions in a Super Over.
Why It Backfired:
The pitch favoured spin, and Wasim’s experience and control could’ve been the difference in a tight game. The captain’s overreliance on pacers proved costly.
Stats Table:
| Match | Date | Decision | Result | Wasim’s T20I Economy (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAK vs USA | June 6, 2024 | Benched Imad Wasim | Pakistan lost in Super Over | 6.15 |
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