With the most victories, Ricky Ponting is the most accomplished captain in cricket history. 165 victories. Under his leadership, Australia won 165 of the 230 ODI matches, for an incredible 76.14% win rate.
| Player | Span | Mat | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 2002-2012 | 230 | 165 | 51 | 2 | 12 | 76.14 |
| MS Dhoni (IND) | 2007-2018 | 200 | 110 | 74 | 5 | 11 | 59.52 |
| AR Border (AUS) | 1985-1994 | 178 | 107 | 67 | 1 | 3 | 61.42 |
| WJ Cronje (SA) | 1994-2000 | 138 | 99 | 35 | 1 | 3 | 73.7 |
| SP Fleming (NZ) | 1997-2007 | 218 | 98 | 106 | 1 | 13 | 48.04 |
Many people consider retired Australian cricket player Ricky Ponting to be one of the best captains in the history of the game. Ponting's Australian national team achieved more victories as a captain than any other player in the history of the sport, as he guided his group to an unparalleled degree of success.
After taking over as captain of the Australian cricket team in 2004, Ponting became one of the game's most accomplished leaders very fast. He oversaw the Australian squad that dominated the world of international cricket, winning the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2003 and 2007. Along with winning the World Cup, Ponting's side set a record by winning 16 straight Test matches—a record that is still in place today.
Among the factors contributing to Ponting's success as a captain was his capacity to set a good example for the players. He was well-known for instilling in his squad an aggressive and competitive style of play. In addition, he possessed a keen sense of the rules of the game and could make snap choices that kept his team winning.
Batting Career| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 168 | 287 | 29 | 13378 | 257 | 51.85 | 22782 | 58.72 | 41 | 6 | 62 | 1509 | 73 |
| ODI | 375 | 365 | 39 | 13704 | 164 | 42.04 | 17046 | 80.39 | 30 | 0 | 82 | 1231 | 162 |
| T20I | 17 | 16 | 2 | 401 | 98 | 28.64 | 302 | 132.78 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 41 | 11 |
| IPL | 10 | 9 | 0 | 91 | 28 | 10.11 | 128 | 71.09 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 |
| Format | Matches | Innings | Balls | Runs | Wickets | BBI | BBM | Economy | Average | Strike Rate | 5 Wickets | 10 Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 168 | 36 | 587 | 276 | 5 | 1/0 | 1/0 | 2.82 | 55.2 | 117.4 | 0 | 0 |
| ODI | 375 | 5 | 150 | 104 | 3 | 1/12 | 1/12 | 4.16 | 34.67 | 50.0 | 0 | 0 |
Ponting was named captain instead of Adam Gilchrist, who was vice-captain at the time. The ODI squad's fortunes turned around right away, as Ponting's team defeated the team that had won the event that had put an end to Waugh's reign to win their first series during the South Africa trip.
Image Source: Twitter
During their 2002–03 Australian season tour, Ponting scored 123 runs in Brisbane's First Test. After hitting 154 in the Second Test in Adelaide, he carried on his good run and finished with four hundred in five Tests. In April 2003, Ponting was named Australia's permanent vice-captain, replacing Adam Gilchrist for the country's Caribbean away series. In the Second Test, Ponting hit his first double century (206), sharing a record Australian third-wicket stand of 315 with Darren Lehmann in the face of a meek bowling attack.
Ponting hit double-centuries in back-to-back Tests against India, in the Second Test at Adelaide (242) and at Melbourne (257, his career high), following his 54 and 50 in the rain-disrupted First Test in Brisbane. He became the second player in history to smash three double-centuries in a calendar year, after Sir Donald Bradman, who also struck 206 at Port-of-Spain earlier in the year.
Against South Africa in the 2005–06 home season, Australia was undefeated, with Ponting playing at a high level. Ponting hit 117 on Boxing Day in the Second Test at the MCG, after his scores of 71 and 53 in the drawn First Test in Perth. In the Third Test at the SCG, Ponting hit 120 and 143 not out to help Australia win the match and bring in the New Year with a thrilling victory in the series. Ponting was voted man of the match and man of the series, making history as the first person to make two hundred in their 100th Test. At 103.00, he had 515 runs scored. The ICC once again selected him as captain of the World Test XI in 2005 for his efforts.
Image Source: Twitter
In the 5th ODI between Australia and South Africa in Johannesburg on March 12, 2006, Ponting amassed 164 runs in just 105 balls. Despite Australia's historic 434 for 4, they were defeated by South Africa's 438 for 9. Ponting and Herschelle Gibbs shared the Man of the Match award after the game. Feeling dissatisfied with the performance, Ponting once gave "the biggest spray" he intended to give as Australia's captain in the changing rooms.
Australia finally triumphed in the ODI competition, which had evaded them despite their World Cup success, as they won the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy in India. After the Mumbai final, Ponting came under fire for seemingly asking Indian cabinet minister and BCCI president Sharad Pawar to "leave the podium" and pointing with his finger at the exit, while teammate Damien Martyn gently shoved him in the back so that his team could start celebrating. The slight matter was resolved when Ponting formally apologized to Pawar.
Ponting was renowned for his outstanding man-management abilities off the field as well. He was successful in bringing out the best in his players and building a solid team culture. Additionally, he was able to keep a healthy mix of the team's youth and experience, which contributed to the group's sustained competitiveness.
In summary, having the most victories as a captain in cricket history makes Ricky Ponting one of the best captains of all time. He led the Australian squad to an exceptional degree of success during his captaincy thanks to his aggressive style of play and superior man-management abilities. For many years to come, young cricket leaders will find inspiration in him. His legacy will live on.
Also Read: Top 10 best bowling figures in ODIs for current bowlers
Give Your Feedback