This list features the top 10 most iconic captains in Cricket history, renowned for their exceptional leadership, remarkable achievements, and significant impact on the sport. These legendary individuals have created a lasting legacy in the world of cricket.
10. Sourav Ganguly (India)
Sourav Ganguly, India’s steadfast captain from 1999 to 2005, rejuvenated the team during a tumultuous period marked by match-fixing scandals. Under his leadership, India reached the 2003 World Cup final and clinched the 2002 NatWest Tri-Series, boasting an impressive record of 97 wins in 196 matches.
Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
Test | 113 | 188 | 17 | 7212 | 239 | 42.18 | 14070 | 51.26 | 16 | 35 | 900 | 57 |
ODI | 311 | 300 | 23 | 11363 | 183 | 41.02 | 15416 | 73.71 | 22 | 72 | 1125 | 190 |
9. Eoin Morgan (England)
Eoin Morgan, a left-handed batsman, stands out as one of England’s most iconic captains. After starting his international career with Ireland, he joined England in 2010 and guided the team to triumph in the memorable 2019 World Cup. Morgan captained 198 limited-overs matches, achieving 118 victories.
Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
Test | 16 | 24 | 1 | 700 | 130 | 30.43 | 1278 | 54.77 | 2 | 3 | 77 | 6 |
ODI | 248 | 230 | 34 | 7701 | 148 | 39.29 | 8447 | 91.17 | 14 | 47 | 653 | 220 |
T20I | 115 | 107 | 20 | 2458 | 91 | 28.58 | 1805 | 136.18 | 0 | 14 | 186 | 120 |
8. Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli, widely regarded as Sachin Tendulkar’s successor, took over as India’s captain in 2014 during a Test series against Australia. Known as the ‘run-machine,’ Kohli excelled as the second-highest run-scorer in that series. He led India in 213 matches across all formats, achieving 135 victories.
Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
Test | 113 | 191 | 11 | 8848 | 254 | 49.16 | 15924 | 55.56 | 29 | 30 | 991 | 26 |
ODI | 292 | 280 | 44 | 13848 | 183 | 58.68 | 14797 | 93.59 | 50 | 72 | 1294 | 151 |
T20I | 125 | 117 | 31 | 4188 | 122 | 48.69 | 3056 | 137.20 | 1 | 38 | 124 | 369 |
7. Mohammad Azharuddin (India)
Mohammad Azharuddin was a controversial yet effective Indian captain, often seen as an underrated leader. Over nearly nine years, he led India in 221 matches, securing victories in 104 of them, showcasing his tactical acumen and resilience despite facing numerous challenges.
Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
Test | 99 | 147 | 9 | 6215 | 199 | 45.04 | 0 | NA | 22 | 21 | 680 | 17 |
ODI | 334 | 308 | 54 | 9378 | 153 | 36.92 | 12670 | 74.02 | 7 | 58 | 627 | 77 |
6. Arjuna Ranatunga (Sri Lanka)
Arjuna Ranatunga, a celebrated Sri Lankan cricketer, is best known for his exceptional captaincy, leading Sri Lanka to its historic 1996 World Cup victory. Over his career, he captained nearly 250 matches, winning 104, solidifying his legacy as one of Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketers and leaders.
Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
Test | 93 | 155 | 12 | 5105 | 135 | 35.70 | 0 | NA | 4 | 38 | 509 | 31 |
ODI | 269 | 255 | 47 | 7456 | 131 | 35.85 | 9571 | 77.90 | 4 | 49 | 525 | 64 |
5. Allan Border (Australia)
Allan Border, celebrated for his wit and courageous leadership, played a crucial role in revitalizing Australian cricket in the 1980s. Captaining Australia in 271 matches, he secured 139 victories and was instrumental in shaping the team’s success during his impactful tenure.
Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
Test | 156 | 265 | 44 | 11174 | 205 | 50.56 | 27269 | 40.98 | 27 | 63 | 1161 | 27 |
ODI | 273 | 252 | 39 | 6524 | 127 | 30.63 | 9134 | 71.43 | 3 | 39 | 500 | 43 |
4. Graeme Smith (South Africa)
Graeme Smith, celebrated for his leadership and prolific batting, holds the record for the most runs scored as South Africa’s captain. While he didn’t win an ICC trophy, he led his team to multiple series victories both at home and abroad. Smith captained South Africa in 286 matches, achieving 163 wins during his nine-year tenure from 2003 to 2014.
Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
Test | 117 | 205 | 13 | 9265 | 277 | 48.25 | 15525 | 59.67 | 27 | 38 | 1165 | 24 |
ODI | 197 | 194 | 10 | 6989 | 141 | 37.98 | 8648 | 80.81 | 10 | 47 | 788 | 44 |
T20I | 33 | 33 | 2 | 982 | 89 | 31.67 | 770 | 127.53 | 0 | 5 | 123 | 26 |
3. Stephen Fleming (New Zealand)
Stephen Fleming, New Zealand’s successful captain, guided his team to their sole ICC trophy at the 2000 Knockout Trophy. He also led New Zealand to victory in their inaugural T20 international against Australia. Fleming won 128 matches out of the 303 he captained for New Zealand.
Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
Test | 111 | 189 | 10 | 7172 | 274 | 40.07 | 15649 | 45.83 | 9 | 46 | 917 | 26 |
ODI | 280 | 269 | 21 | 8037 | 134 | 32.41 | 11243 | 71.48 | 8 | 49 | 823 | 63 |
T20I | 5 | 5 | 0 | 110 | 38 | 22.00 | 85 | 129.41 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 0 |
2. Ricky Ponting (Australia)
Ricky Ponting, the Australian cricket legend, is renowned as one of the most successful captains in history. Over nearly 12 years, he led Australia to four ICC titles, including two World Cups (2003, 2007) and two Champions Trophies (2006, 2009), solidifying his legacy as one of Australia’s finest leaders.
Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
Test | 168 | 287 | 29 | 13378 | 257 | 51.85 | 22782 | 58.72 | 41 | 62 | 1509 | 73 |
ODI | 375 | 365 | 39 | 13704 | 164 | 42.04 | 17046 | 80.39 | 30 | 82 | 1231 | 162 |
T20I | 17 | 16 | 2 | 401 | 98 | 28.64 | 302 | 132.78 | 0 | 2 | 41 | 11 |
1. MS Dhoni (India)
MS Dhoni is celebrated as one of cricket’s most successful captains, having clinched every ICC trophy: the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. He led India in 332 matches across all formats, achieving 178 victories, showcasing the team’s dominance on the global stage.
Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
Test | 90 | 144 | 16 | 4876 | 224 | 38.09 | 8249 | 59.11 | 6 | 33 | 544 | 78 |
ODI | 350 | 297 | 84 | 10773 | 183 | 50.57 | 12303 | 87.56 | 10 | 73 | 826 | 229 |
T20I | 98 | 85 | 42 | 1617 | 56 | 37.60 | 1282 | 126.13 | 0 | 2 | 116 | 52 |