No fan can tell you what Daren Sammy‘s PSL record is, but they love him in Pakistan anyway. He was the PSL’s brand ambassador at a time when the league desperately needed to market itself, and the genuine buy-in from a player in what can be a very transactional environment has never been forgotten by the fans.
While comparisons might be premature, the events of the past few days might see Marnus Labuschagne edge up into those ranks. Initially considered an odd inclusion into the league – he played just six matches in the BBL across the past three seasons – the decision to anoint him Hyderabad Kingsmen captain was even more puzzling; he had never previously led in a T20 anywhere in the world.
But on this rollercoaster ride with Kingsmen, PSL fans have been able to see, in real-time, Labuschagne visibly falling in love with the league, and passionate about the team he leads. His nervous energy in the dugout and on the field has endeared him to the watching public, and his solo sprint across the Gaddafi Stadium after victory in Friday’s eliminator, hat flying off his head and tears in his eyes, have all but immortalised him in PSL lore.
After Kingsmen were finally conquered in Sunday’s final, he went up to Hunain Shah, who had bowled the final delivery, placing a comforting hand on the back of his head as he embraced him in consolation. Two days earlier, it was the same bower he had made a beeline for on that celebratory run after Hunain defended five runs in the final over, pulling him into a hug and kissing him before he was hoisted on the team’s shoulders.
Immediately following the presentations, Labuschagne led them to the team dugout, addressing them animatedly, telling them how proud he was and privileged he felt to have led them through the campaign. It was a marked departure to Labuschagne’s demeanour earlier on in the tournament, when he was more hesitant about giving team talks or being vocal in his leadership, leaving a greater part of that job to the coaches and support staff.
“Tonight hurts, obviously,” Labuschagne said at the post-match presentations. “Just not enough runs on the board. I’ve really enjoyed my role as skipper. I was excited about the opportunity to challenge myself in a different environment. I’ve loved getting to know the players, the owners, the support staff, and doing it collectively as a team. It’s really exciting to see what this team’s built in such a short period of time, and hopefully there’s some really amazing things to come.”
It did not go unnoticed in Pakistan that Labuschagne’s visible, uninhibited displays of emotion have not been seen before, and this is for a player who has little left to win in the game. He is an ODI World Cup winner as well as a multiple Ashes winner, and yet appears to value his brief time with Kingsmen especially deeply. In the final, a contentious run-out call did not go his side’s way when Kusal Perera was caught just short of his crease after what he deemed to be obstruction from the bowler along his running path. Labuschagne walked across to the fourth umpire, demanding an explanation and remonstrating with him for a prolonged time.
Labuschagne said the up and down nature of the campaign, leading to an unlikely run to the final had felt special. “I’m reflecting on what an amazing season and tournament we’ve put together,” he said. “Coming from four losses to winning four in a row, getting bowled out for 80, then winning by a hundred, then winning two games to get into the final, defending six. We’ve made so many great memories, I’m just so proud of the team, it’s been an awesome effort.”
The buy-in from the players into Labuschagne’s leadership felt complete, with Kingsmen players frequently mentioning him as a valuable leadership presence on the field. In the latter part of the campaign, he has regularly made himself available to his young bowling attack in pressure moments, discussing tactics and field adjustments, or simply offering encouragement.
The team coach, Jason Gillespie, said he was impressed by Labuschagne’s “growth” over the past five weeks. “Marnus has grown as a leader throughout the tournament,” he said. “His messaging was really clear throughout the tournament. His backing and support of the players was really strong. I can’t be prouder of him.
“He wanted to lead by example and he’s a very good communicator. He just got more and more confident in his communication with the players, getting up and talking to the players in a group. As the tournament went on, Marnus was more confident, more comfortable and his messaging I thought was outstanding and the players really responded to him. I think they loved playing this tournament under him as a leader and it will only be good for him going forward and any leadership ambitions he has. This has been a great learning curve for him, been a great learning curve for us all really, all the players and the coaches.”
It’s hard to say if one heady month in Pakistan has too significant an effect on captaincy opportunities for Labuschagne around the world. But it’s all but certain that should he want to return for next year’s PSL, there will be no surprise or puzzlement when the captain’s armband is stitched to the sleeve of his black Kingsmen shirt.
