3 Indian ODI captains hold unbeaten records. One led a single game in 2002, guiding the team to victory with key contributions. Another captained six matches between 2010 and 2011, including a 5-0 series sweep, earning accolades for consistent performances. The third led a second-string side in 2015, securing a flawless 3-0 series win. These captains demonstrated exceptional leadership and tactical acumen, achieving perfection during their brief but impactful stints at the helm, leaving a lasting legacy of success in India’s cricketing history.
1. Anil Kumble
India’s highest international wicket-taker, Anil Kumble, briefly captained the ODI team in 2002 against England in Chennai. Stepping in after Sourav Ganguly’s injury, Kumble led India to a 4-wicket victory, with Sachin Tendulkar scoring 68 to ease the chase of 218. Kumble’s own contributions included the crucial wickets of Andrew Flintoff and Michael Vaughan. Despite this successful debut, it remained his only ODI captaincy stint, leaving him with a flawless 100% record as skipper. This unique achievement adds a fascinating chapter to Kumble’s illustrious cricketing journey.
2. Gautam Gambhir
Renowned as one of India’s finest white-ball batsmen, Gautam Gambhir led the ODI team on six occasions between 2010 and 2011. India triumphed in all six matches under his leadership. Notably, Gambhir captained India to a 5-0 series whitewash against New Zealand in December 2010, earning Player of the Series honors for scoring 329 runs, including two centuries. In 2011, he led India to victory in a Chennai ODI against the West Indies in the absence of MS Dhoni and Virender Sehwag, maintaining his flawless captaincy record.
3. Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane, known for his impeccable leadership in Tests, also holds an unbeaten record in ODIs as captain. In 2015, Rahane led a second-string Indian side on a Zimbabwe tour, with MS Dhoni rested. Under his captaincy, India secured a clean 3-0 sweep against Zimbabwe. Rahane contributed with the bat, scoring a fifty in one of the matches. Adding this to his Test captaincy record of 4 wins and 2 draws, Rahane’s flawless leadership across formats stands as a testament to his calm and effective captaincy.
