captain's pick

Noun

captain's pick (plural captain's picks)

1. a person selected for a team by the team's captain
   • Czech No.1 Tomas Berdych is the first captain’s pick named for Team Europe in the inaugural Laver Cup. Berdych will line up alongside top 10 stars Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Marin Cilic and Dominic Thiem at the O₂ arena in Prague, Czech Republic from September 22-24, 2017. […] Team Europe captain...2017 August 15, “Laver Cup: Borg selects Berdych as first captain’s pick”, in O2 Arena
   • It would not be until a decade later, in 1989, that a U.S. captain would join his European counterpart in having the luxury of captain’s selections. The historic first two captain's picks from captain Raymond Floyd ahead of a 14-14 draw at The Belfry in England were Lanny Wadkins and Tom Watson.2019 August 29, Jeff Babineau, “The best -- and not best -- Ryder Cup captain's picks”, in Ryder Cup
2. (Australia, idiomatic, informal) A decision made by a leader without consulting others.
   • Ms Gillard said on Tuesday she had made a "captain's pick" and asked Ms Peris to join the Labor Party and run as a Northern Territory Senate candidate later this year.2013 January 22, Simon Cullen, “Gillard picks Nova Peris to run for Senate”, in ABC News
   • At the time he acknowledged that the decision to knight Prince Philip was a “captain’s pick” and made clear that the Queen had accepted his recommendation.2015 October 1, Roger Maynard, “Tony Abbott admits that knighthood for Prince Philip was a mistake”, in The Times