Several captains have emerged as the best in cricket history. They have achieved feats such as World Cup wins, high win percentages and taking their teams to the number one ranking. Notable names include Ricky Ponting, MS Dhoni, Graeme Smith and Steve Waugh. Other strong contenders for the title of best captain include Clive Lloyd, Imran Khan and Stephen Fleming, each with their own unique strengths and achievements.
The best top 10 captains according to Online Cricket ID 11 are:
- Steve Waugh (Australia)
- Captaincy: 1999–2004
- Test Matches as captain: 57, Wins: 41, Win %: 71.92%
- Achievements: Led Australia to 16 consecutive Test wins, won the 1999 Cricket World Cup, known for strategic brilliance and mental toughness.
- Mahendra Singh Dhoni (India)
- Captaincy: 2007–2018
- Matches as captain (all formats): 332, Wins: 178, Win %: 53.61%
- Achievements: Won ICC T20 World Cup 2007, ICC ODI World Cup 2011, ICC Champions Trophy 2013; led India to top of ICC Test rankings; famous for calm leadership under pressure.
- Ricky Ponting (Australia)
- Captaincy: 2002–2012
- Matches as captain: 324, Wins: 220, Win %: 67.9%
- Achievements: Led Australia to two ICC World Cups (2003, 2007), two ICC Champions Trophies (2006, 2009); known for aggressive leadership and handling a star-studded team.
- Graeme Smith (South Africa)
- Captaincy: 2003–2014
- Matches as captain: 286, Wins: 163, Win %: 56.99%
- Achievements: Most Test wins as captain (record holder), led South Africa through a dominant era in world cricket.
- Clive Lloyd (West Indies)
- Captaincy: 1974–1985
- Matches as captain: 74, Wins: 36, Win %: 48.65%
- Achievements: Led West Indies to their first ICC World Cup win in 1975; dominated world cricket in the late 1970s and early 1980s with a legendary team.
- Virat Kohli (India)
- Captaincy: 2014–2022
- Matches as captain: 213, Wins: 135, Win %: 63.38% (all formats)
- Achievements: First Indian captain to win a Test series in Australia; led India to top ICC Test rankings; known for fitness and aggressive style.
- Allan Border (Australia)
- Captaincy: 1984–1994
- Matches as captain: 93, Wins: 32, Win %: 34.41%
- Achievements: Rebuilt Australian cricket after a low phase; led Australia to 1989 Ashes win; set record for most Test matches as captain at the time.
- Imran Khan (Pakistan)
- Captaincy: 1982–1992
- Achievements: Led Pakistan to their first ICC Cricket World Cup victory in 1992; known for inspirational leadership and all-round cricketing skills.
- Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
- Captaincy: 2009–2011
- Matches as captain: 25, Wins: 13, Win %: 52.00%
- Achievements: Led Sri Lanka to significant Test victories; known for tactical acumen and calm leadership7.
- Nasser Hussain (England)
- Captaincy: 1999–2003
- Matches as captain: 45, Wins: 18, Win %: 40.00%
- Achievements: Led England to a historic series win in West Indies in 2000; credited with stabilizing and professionalizing English cricket.
These captains are known for their leadership skills, tactical acumen and success in major ICC tournaments or Test series, shaping the history of cricket in different eras and countries.
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