Top Five Most Successful Captains in World Cup History

As the 12th edition of the ICC World Cup approaches closer, we have witnessed many wonderful captains to take charge of their country in the marquee tournament. However, only a few could conquer glory. They have led their teams from the front and have displayed some outstanding game-reading abilities to help their country win applauds from all over the globe. In this article, we will talk about the successful captains in World Cup history.

From Clive Llyod’s to Ricky Ponting‘s to modern day MS Dhoni, the cricket lovers have seen some of the best in the business to lead their country over the previous 11 editions of the World Cup.

On that context, let us take a look at the most successful captains in World Cup history:

IMRAN KHAN

The current Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is also their successful captains in the history of ODI cricket. The Men in Greens have their only World Cup win under the leadership of their most decorated all-rounder.

Imran Khan led Pakistan in three World Cups – 1983, 1987, and 1992 only to win the last tournament as the skipper. In 22 games as the captain of Pakistan in the marquee events – Imran has taken his side to 14 victories thus occupying the fifth spot in the list most successful captains in World Cup history.

MS DHONI

One of India’s favourite son, MS Dhoni, is arguably the most successful Indian captains. Under his leadership, the Men In Blues broke their 28-year barren run in the World Cup to win the illustrious trophy in 2011.

Dhoni has led India in 2011 and 2015 World Cup taking them to the semifinals of the 2015 edition after winning the previous one. The former India skipper has led India to 14 wins out of 17 matches he has led in the quadrennial tournament. As a result, he is the fourth most successful captains in World Cup history.

CLIVE LLOYD

Clive Llyod had the opportunity to lead a World Cup Windies team when they dominated the whole world. Studded with quality cricketers, it was a challenge for the other teams to beat Windies during 1970-80s.

Among all the top-class players, Clive Lloyd is one of the best to have come who led the Caribbeans in three World Cups and has a staggering record to boast. He has won 15 of the 17 matches he has led his country in the showpiece event. Under his leadership, Windies won the first two editions of the World Cup before going down in the finals against India in 1983.

STEPHEN FLEMING

Stephen Fleming has also led New Zealand in three World Cups in 1999, 2003, and 2007. The Kiwis have always preferred to keep themselves away from media attention and focus on their job.

The southpaw, who is currently the coach of the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, has a good record as the captain in the marquee event. He has led the Black Caps in 27 matches winning 16 out of them and losing ten to occupy the second spot in the list of most successful captains in the World Cup history.

RICKY PONTING

Ricky Ponting is arguably the best skipper in the world to have graced the cricket field. He had a good bunch of cricketers with him and ruled the cricketing world for almost ten years. His game-reading ability and on-spot decisions make him stand among the best in business.

The star batsman had led Australia in three World Cups – 2003, 2007, and 2011 and emerged victorious in 2003 and 2007. Among 29 games, Ponting has won 26 World Cup matches as the skipper – the most by any captain of the world. During his tenure, he only lost two clashes while one ended in a tie.