5 Indian captains have made significant contributions with the bat in ODIs, leading the team to success while amassing impressive run totals. Their leadership was marked by consistency, with each player scoring numerous centuries and fifties, solidifying their place as some of the most successful and influential captains in Indian cricket history.
5. Rahul Dravid – 2658 runs
Rahul Dravid, known as “The Wall” for his solid defensive technique, displayed immense mental toughness, which led to his captaincy of the Indian team. In the 79 ODI matches he captained, Dravid scored 2,658 runs, including two centuries and 25 fifties, showcasing his consistency and leadership.
4. Sourav Ganguly – 5104 runs
Sourav Ganguly, one of cricket’s most aggressive captains, led India in 147 ODIs. He scored 11 centuries and accumulated 5,104 runs, playing a pivotal role in India’s success during his captaincy. His leadership style and consistency made a lasting impact on Indian cricket, shaping the team’s future.
3. Virat Kohli – 5147 runs
Virat Kohli, the current Indian captain, has led the team in 89 ODIs, amassing 5,147 runs. His tally includes 21 centuries and 23 fifties, demonstrating his ability to lead from the front. This impressive record highlights Kohli’s consistency and his impact on the team’s success.
2. Mohammad Azharuddin – 5243 runs
Mohammad Azharuddin, a great in ODI cricket, was known for his solid batting technique. As captain, he led India in 175 ODI matches, scoring 5,243 runs at an average of 39.13. His leadership and consistency made him one of India’s most respected captains in the format.
1. MS Dhoni – 6641 runs
MS Dhoni, the most successful Indian ODI captain, led India to triumph in the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Captaining the team in 200 ODIs, he scored 6,641 runs at a remarkable average of 53.56. Dhoni’s leadership and consistent performances cemented his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest captains.
| Player | Matches as Captain | Total Runs | Centuries | Fifties | Batting Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahul Dravid | 79 | 2,658 | 2 | 25 | 47.74 |
| Sourav Ganguly | 147 | 5,104 | 11 | – | 39.13 |
| Virat Kohli | 89 | 5,147 | 21 | 23 | 53.56 |
| Mohammad Azharuddin | 175 | 5,243 | – | – | 39.13 |
| MS Dhoni | 200 | 6,641 | 10 | – | 53.56 |