One of the most devastating batsmen in the world at present, it is little surprise that Brendon McCullum has been hailed as the most instrumental player New Zealand cricket has ever produced.
It’s more than 12 years since the elegant right-hander from Otago stamped his authority on the ODI scene, entering the game as a star wicket-keeper in the mould of Australia’s Adam Gilchrist before establishing himself as a prolific batsman.
When analysing the stats it is easy to see why the Black Caps captain is drawing so much attention. Apart from clinching multiple Player of the Year accolades on home soil, he was the first man to score 2000 runs in T20 internationals, and in January of 2014 became the first New Zealander to hit a triple ton in Test cricket against India.
His glittering 302 truly defined him on the world stage, with Asian media labelling him ‘the best in the business’. But the magical form didn’t stop there as ha scintillating 195 against Sri Lanka in December, capped off a fine year for not only New Zealand cricket but McCullum himself, as he reached an impressive 1000 Test runs in a calendar year.
Aside from accumulating impressive scores for his country, McCullum is also a significant leader in the Kiwis’ dressing room, taking over the captaincy from Ross Taylor in 2012. What further proves his mettle is the Dh2.3 million ($627k) IPL contract secured with Chennai Super Knights, whom he guided to the final in September before losing to Kolkata Knight Riders.
Sport360 cricket reporter Ajit Vijaykumar recently suggested he is the best batsman in cricket, writing: "Many players hit a purple patch in their careers, but what separates the good from the great is the ability to make the most of it.
"They are beginning to challenge sides on a consistent basis and are easily the most improved side in the past few seasons. And McCullum's leadership has been instrumental in New Zealand's rise. Given the situation in which he scored those big knocks and how his batting and leadership has energised his players, it is safe to pick McCullum as the best batsman in the world right now."
In December, when New Zealand took on Pakistan in Sharjah, spectators had the chance to see a player at the pinnacle of his game. McCullum hit the fourth-fastest double century – with only compatriot Nathan Astle (153 balls in 2009) and India’s Virender Sehwag (twice – 182 in 2005 and 168 in 2009) ahead of him.
The big stage never seems to daunt him and at all times, he epitomises a voracious work-rate and determination. With the showpiece of world cricket edging closer, the ruthless partnership of McCullum and young Kane Williamson is sure to provide boundless problems for opposition. Added to this is the current form of the team: New Zealand have won five out of their past nine tests, triumphed in nine one-day internationals since January 2014 and tied one in 16 games. Despite suffering two defeats to South Africa, they claimed victory in six out of 10 Twenty20 internationals.
With McCullum at the helm of this powerful unit of players, anything is possible for the Black Caps.
