Cricket’s ODI format has a nearly five-decade history. Not only have there been many great batsmen and bowlers in the 50-over format of the game, but there have also been some great captains. Captains whose leadership is known to have been an important factor in their teams’ success.
A captain’s role in cricket is more than meets the eye of a casual observer. While the captain is constantly executing strategies or making instinctive decisions on the field that could change the course of play, unlike other sports, he is also a key member of the think-tank off the field.
Ricky Ponting – 21
Ponting is the third-highest run-scorer in ODI cricket history, thanks to a stellar career as a batsman. He succeeded Steve Waugh as captain of the team. He lead a group of talented players, many of whom went on to become legends of the game. Ponting captained the team in 230 One-Day Internationals, winning 165 of them. This incredible record also includes two World Cups in a row in 2003 and 2007. Such a remarkable track record appears untouchable in the future. From 11/1/2003 to 24/5/2003, Australia won 21 consecutive ODI matches under Ponting.
Graeme Smith – 17
If we look at the history of South African cricket, we can see that they have always been a competitive, strong team, but if we have to name one person who changed the team’s work culture and ethics, and to some extent, their fortune, it has to be Graeme Smith. Under Smith’s leadership, South Africa reigned as ODI and test champions, winning 92 of the 150 matches he played as captain. South Africa went undefeated in ODI cricket from 4/2/2005 to 16/11/2005 under Smith.
Steve Waugh – 13
Toward the end of the previous millennium, Steve Waugh assumed the captaincy of Australia. Because of his exceptional win rate, Waugh is widely regarded as the most successful Test captain of all time. He also performed admirably in one-day internationals. Under Waugh, Australia went undefeated in 13 One-Day Internationals.
Ricky Ponting – 13
Australia dominated the majority of the 1990s and 2000s, and this is reflected in this list as well. Ricky Ponting, like his predecessor Steve Waugh, led Australia to a long run of success. Under Ponting, Australia went undefeated in 13 One-Day Internationals in 2007.
Ricky Ponting – 12
Ponting was the captain of the Australian cricket team for many years and is regarded as one of the best batsmen and fielders in the game’s history. He is the top run-scorer in ODIs and tests for Australia and he led his team to two World Cup victories. Under Ponting’s captaincy, Australia went undefeated in ODIs for a period of 12 games, from November 2, 2009, to February 19, 2010.
