ICC Awards: Players who were named captain of both Test and ODI teams for the same year

Since 2004, the ICC has recognized the best cricketers in different disciplines of the game based on their performances in the preceding year. Along with individual honors, the game's governing body also announces the world's Test and one-day XI.

The game's apex body appoints the captain of the Test and ODI teams from the chosen XI. The skippers of both formats are selected based on their exemplary leadership qualities which is further supported by their respective side's performances in the qualification period.

The ICC selection committee, consisting of five former elite players, has chosen the same captain for both the teams only four times.

Former captain of Australia, Ricky Pointing, achieved this rare feat twice in his career. Alastair Cook was unfortunate to miss out though as he was named the Test team's skipper three times but could not make into the ODI team.

Let us look at the players who were named the captain of both Test and ODI teams for the same year.

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Virat Kohli (2017)

2017 was a career-defining year for Virat Kohli

When MS Dhoni resigned from ODI captaincy in 2017, Virat Kohli was asked to lead the Indian cricket team across formats.

India's premier batsman Kohli grabbed the opportunity with both hands and led from the front. India rose to No.1 and No. 2 in Tests and ODIs respectively under his leadership.

As an attacking batsman who likes to get under the opposition's skin, Kohli scored over 1000 runs in both formats of the game. He was magnificent in the one-day format where he scored 1460 runs at a run-a-ball.

MS Dhoni (2009)

MS Dhoni led India to the World Cup title in 2011

Under the chairmanship of Sir Clive Lloyd, the 2009 ICC Awards selection committee named MS Dhoni the captain of the ICC World Test and ODI XI. He was also given the ODI Player of the Year award.

Dhoni led India to their first bilateral series win, in both Sri Lanka and New Zealand in One Day Internationals. He scored close to 1000 runs in the aforementioned period and often finished off games for India.

India first rose to No. 1 in the ICC Test rankings in 2009 under the leadership of Dhoni. The captain led India to series wins on the shores of West Indies and New Zealand. At home, India won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2008 as well. Interestingly, Dhoni was named the full-time Test skipper before the fourth Test of the home series.

Ricky Ponting (2004 and 2007)

Ricky Ponting was always energetic in the field

Former Australian great Ricky Ponting is the only player to have been named the Captain of the Year twice in his career. He was named the skipper of the ICC World Test and ODI teams of the year in 2004 and 2007. The skipper of the Australian team in their golden period, Ponting is the most successful Test captain, with 48 wins. He also led Australia to World Cup wins in 2003 and 2007.