✕
Cricket is a game of skill, strategy, and history-defining moments. A great captain leads from the front, making crucial decisions under pressure. But what truly defines greatness - trophies, leadership records, or the ability to inspire? The best cricket captains have shaped the game through vision, leadership, and historic victories in Tests, ODIs, World Cups, and IPLs.
From MS Dhoni’s cool-headed finishes to Ricky Ponting’s dominance, these legendary leaders set benchmarks for future captains. Relive cricket’s greatest moments through IMAGO’s extensive archives of cricket photos, showcasing captains celebrated for their iconic decisions and achievements in this list.
The top 10:
10. Graeme Smith
Graeme Smith may not have won an ICC trophy as captain, but his leadership made him one of the greatest.
Back in 2003, Smith became South Africa's youngest captain at just 22 and had only 8 Tests under his belt. But he proved himself, leading the Proteas to 53 Test wins (most by any captain) in 103 matches at a win percentage of 48.62. His ODI record is equally impressive, with 92 wins in 150 matches, translating to a 61.33 win percentage.
Smith’s gritty leadership helped South Africa become a formidable force. Under his captaincy, they achieved the No. 1 Test ranking and claimed historic series victories in England and Australia.
IMAGO / Dreamstime | South Africa’s Graeme Smith with the Mace for becoming the No1 test team in the world.
9. Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins is the newest captain on the block and still active in the role. While he may seem like a controversial pick, his leadership speaks for itself.
After two major scandals shook Australian cricket, Cummins stepped in and helped the team regain its strength. Under his guidance, Australia won the 2023 World Cup, defeating India on their home turf.
Cummins also led Australia to victory in the 2023 World Test Championship. His leadership extends to the IPL as well, where he’s helped Sunrisers Hyderabad become a dominant team. Cummins continues to impress with his leadership both on and off the field and is perhaps a deserving pick in this elite list.
IMAGO / AAP / Dan Himbrecht I Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins arrives with the ICC Men™s Cricket World Cup 2023 Trophy during a media opportunity at the SCG in Sydney.
8. Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev was India’s guiding light in the 1983 World Cup, leading the team to an improbable victory over the West Indies in the final. This victory sparked a cricket revolution in India.
As a captain, Kapil led India in 74 ODIs, winning 39 with a win percentage of 52.70. His Test record, however, was less impressive, with just four wins from 34 matches (11.76%).
Despite the numbers, Kapil’s leadership, resilience, and never-say-die attitude remain iconic in Indian cricket.
IMAGO / Colorsport | Kapil Dev receiving the 1983 Prudential Cricket World Cup trophy.
More Live Cricket Content
7. Imran Khan
Imran Khan was one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders and an inspiring leader.
Imran Khan’s leadership led Pakistan to a historic World Cup win in 1992, defying early setbacks to claim the title. Imran remains Pakistan’s most successful ODI captain, with 75 wins from 139 matches, boasting a 53.95 win percentage.
His Test record, however, falls short, with just 14 wins in 48 matches and a win percentage of 29.16 %.
IMAGO / Newscom / SCMP | Imran Khan (center left) holding the spoils of his victory in the Silk Cut Challenge at the Hong Kong Cricket Club.
6. Arjuna Ranatunga
Much like Kapil and Imran, Arjuna Ranatunga is a great example of a captain who left a lasting effect on the generations to come.
Ranatunga's greatest legacy is leading Sri Lanka to a historic 1996 World Cup victory, defeating the mighty Australians. His career stats as captain are modest, with 12 wins in 56 Tests (21.42 win percentage) and 89 wins in 193 ODIs (46.11 win percentage).
However, Ranatunga’s true impact lies in his leadership. Under him, Sri Lanka emerged as World Cup champions, inspiring a generation of talented players who shaped the future of Sri Lankan cricket.
IMAGO / Colorsport | Sri Lanka’s captain Arjuna Ranatunga during the 1999 World Cup.
5. Allan Border
Allan Border is credited with laying the foundation for Australia’s cricket dominance. As captain during a transitional period, he led Australia to their first-ever World Cup win in 1987.
Border’s ODI record is remarkable, with 107 wins in 178 matches at a win percentage of 60.1. However, in Tests, he captained 93 matches with a win percentage of just 34.40.
Despite this, Border's leadership was pivotal in Australia winning the 1989 Ashes and stabilizing the team, paving the way for the dominance that followed under Waugh and Ponting.
IMAGO / Mary Evans / Allstar / Steward Kendall | Allan Border playing for Australia on May 4th, 1993.
4. Clive Lloyd
Clive Lloyd is not only remembered as one of the greatest West Indian cricketers but also as one of the finest captains in the game’s history.
Lloyd’s leadership saw the West Indies dominate world cricket from the mid-1970s to the early 1980s, creating a side feared for its explosive batting and relentless pace attack.
In Tests, Lloyd captained West Indies in 74 matches, winning 36 with a 48.64% success rate. In ODIs, however, he was even more successful, leading the team to 64 wins out of 84 with a 76.19% win percentage. Under his guidance, West Indies won World Cups in 1975 and 1979, with a runner-up finish in 1983.
IMAGO / Colorsport | Clive LLoyd of West Indies and Lancashires in the 1970 season.
More Live Cricket Content
3. Steve Waugh
Steve Waugh carried on from Border and made a team that was feared in world cricket. Tough, fearless, and relentless, he turned Australia into an unstoppable force, setting the stage for their dominance in the 2000s.
Waugh’s leadership in Test cricket was unmatched. In 57 matches as captain, he won 41, boasting a world-record win percentage of 71.92. Between October 1999 and February 2001, his team won 16 consecutive Tests, a streak that cemented Australia’s supremacy.
In ODIs, Waugh led in 106 matches, winning 67 with a 63.20% success rate. But his crowning achievement came in 1999 when he guided Australia to a World Cup triumph, marking the start of their golden era.
IMAGO / Colorsport | Steve Waugh (Australia) proudly presents the World Cup trophy.
2. MS Dhoni
Unlike Waugh, MS Dhoni was India’s calm and calculated leader who transformed the team’s fortunes. Taking charge during a turbulent phase, he steered India to two World Cup titles in four years, including the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.
As Test captain, Dhoni led in 60 matches, winning 27 with a 45.00% success rate. But his real dominance came in white-ball cricket. In 200 ODIs, he won 110 games with a solid 55.00% win rate.
Dhoni remains the only Indian captain to win three ICC trophies, cementing his legacy as one of the best. His tactical brilliance and unmatched finishing ability made him a game-changer. Beyond international cricket, he also led Chennai Super Kings to five Indian Premier League titles (IPL), the joint-most in history.
IMAGO / PA Images / Mark Egerton I India’s MS Dhoni celebrates after winning the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final match against Bangladesh.
1. Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting is one of cricket’s greatest leaders and players. Known as "Punter," he led Australia to dominance across formats following the footsteps of Waugh, building one of the most formidable teams in history.
As ODI captain, he led in a record 230 matches, winning 165 with an incredible 71.73% win rate. Under him, Australia secured back-to-back World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007.
His Test captaincy was just as impressive. With 48 wins, he ranks second only to Graeme Smith, despite leading in 32 fewer matches. Between December 2005 and January 2008, Australia won 16 consecutive Tests under his leadership.
Ponting’s tactical brilliance and batting prowess cement his place as one of cricket’s greatest captains.
IMAGO / Mary Evans / Allstar / Richard Sellers | Ricky Ponting from Australia during their 5th Ashes Test Match in 2009.
As we look back at these legendary cricket captains, their impact on the game is undeniable. From historic victories to unforgettable leadership, their legacy continues to inspire. Discover IMAGO’s stunning collection of photos and videos that bring these iconic moments to life, preserving the essence of their remarkable careers and celebrating them for future generations.
Explore more iconic cricket images and sports highlights in IMAGO’s exclusive photo gallery here.
