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MS Dhoni & Ricky Ponting (Source: Twitter)
The ODI World Cup is the pinnacle of international cricket and being a part of it is a dream of every player. While the team's collective effort, including management and supporting staff, is crucial, a captain plays a key role in their successful campaign. A true leader can lead his team out of difficult situations and guide from the front when his soldiers are down.
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There have been many such captains in history who have taken their team to greater heights when it comes to the ODI World Cup. Australia's Ricky Ponting, West Indies legend Clive Lloyd and India's wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni are a few who have set a certain benchmark when it comes to leadership.
In this article, we take a look at five legendary captains who have won the most number of matches in ODI World Cup history.
5. Imran Khan (Pakistan - 14 wins)
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Imran Khan's tactical brilliance and fearless approach led Pakistan to their only World Cup glory in 1992. Under his leadership, the Men in Green won 14 out of 22 matches, with a win percentage of 63.64%.
4. MS Dhoni (India - 14 wins)
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A true leader who clearly knows how to bring out the best in each player. Dhoni led India to their second World Cup title in 2011. Under his leadership, India has won 14 out of 17 matches with a win percentage of 82.35%. Moreover, he has led India to 11 successive wins, the second-best by any captain in the ODI World Cup in the 2011 and 2015 editions.
3. Clive Lloyd (West Indies - 15 wins)
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Considered one of the greatest captains in the history of cricket, Clive Lloyd made West Indies the monopoly of international cricket. Under his guidance, the Caribbean team won the first two editions of the World Cup (1975 and 1979). With an aggressive and fearless approach, Lloyd's Windies won 15 out of 17 matches at a win percentage of 88.24%.
2. Stephen Fleming (New Zealand - 16 wins)
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Although he was unable to guide his team to ultimate glory, Stephen Fleming's leadership qualities in the ODI World Cup were commendable. The former left-handed batter has led New Zealand to 16 wins from 27 matches, with a win percentage of 59.26%. Fleming's calmness and ability to get the best out of his players set him apart from other leaders.
1. Ricky Ponting (Australia - 26 wins)
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Australia were the rulers of international cricket under the leadership of Ricky Ponting. The flamboyant batter was part of three ODI World Cup-winning squads, in 1999, 2003 and 2007, the last two as captain of the side. He has led Australia to 26 wins from 29 matches in World Cups from the span of 2003 to 2011, at a staggering win percentage of 89.66%. holds the record for the most consecutive ODI World Cup wins - 24.