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In the long history of cricket, captains who have led their national teams to ICC titles are often regarded as symbols of leadership, tactical brilliance, and composure under pressure. From the prestigious ODI World Cup and the dynamic T20 World Cup to the Champions Trophy and the ICC World Test Championship, only a select few captains have etched their names across multiple formats. So, who stands at the top as the captain with the most ICC trophies? Let's find out.
As of 2025, the following captains have won the most ICC titles (counting only trophies won as captain):
| Rank | Captain | Country | ICC Trophies Won (as Captain) | Major ICC Titles |
| 1 | MS Dhoni | India | 3 | T20 WC (2007), ODI WC (2011), CT (2013) |
| 2 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | 2 | ODI WC (2003, 2007) |
| 3 | Rohit Sharma | India | 2 | T20 WC (2024), CT (2025) |
| 4 | Clive Lloyd | West Indies | 2 | ODI WC (1975, 1979) |
| 5 | Allan Border | Australia | 1 | ODI WC (1987) |
| 6 | Aaron Finch | Australia | 1 | T20 WC (2021) |
| 7 | Ben Stokes | England | 1 | T20 WC (2022) |
| 8 | Kane Williamson | New Zealand | 1 | WTC (2021) |
MS Dhoni stands unrivaled as the most successful ICC captain in history. Known for his calm demeanor and sharp cricketing mind, Dhoni led India to victory in all three major ICC tournaments: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup on home soil, and the 2013 Champions Trophy in England. He remains the only captain in cricket history to win all three major ICC tournaments.
A symbol of Australia's golden generation, Ricky Ponting's leadership was marked by discipline and dominance. Under his captaincy, Australia won back-to-back ODI World Cups in 2003 and 2007. His ability to execute game plans with clinical precision made his era one of the most successful in cricket history.
As of 2025, Rohit Sharma has led India to two major ICC titles: the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where India defeated South Africa, and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, with a victory over New Zealand. Notably, he became the first captain to win the Player of the Match award in a Champions Trophy final. These achievements have firmly established Rohit Sharma as one of India's most successful and respected ICC captains.
As the first iconic West Indies captain, Clive Lloyd led the Caribbean team to consecutive ODI World Cup victories in 1975 and 1979. His charismatic leadership and revolutionary batting style inspired a generation and established the West Indies as a global cricket powerhouse in the 1970s.
At a time when Australian cricket was struggling, Allan Border took the reins and laid the foundation for future success. His captaincy culminated in a historic win at the 1987 ODI World Cup, restoring pride and belief in the national team.
In the highly competitive T20 era, Aaron Finch led Australia to their maiden T20 World Cup title in 2021. His smart rotation of bowlers and composed tactics throughout the tournament broke the jinx of Australia's previous struggles in the shortest format.
Though not England's regular white-ball captain, Ben Stokes played a pivotal leadership role during the 2022 T20 World Cup triumph. His bold decisions, fearless approach, and match-winning performances defined England's modern aggressive style, proving that 'Bazball' philosophy works beyond Test cricket.
New Zealand's understated but intelligent leader, Kane Williamson, guided his team to victory in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021. Known for his calm presence and precise tactical planning, Williamson exemplifies a captain with both intellect and humility.
ICC tournaments are the ultimate test of a captain's leadership and a team's strength. Very few captains have succeeded in guiding their sides to glory under such immense pressure. Among them, MS Dhoni stands above the rest, being the only one to capture all three major ICC titles. His legacy continues to inspire generations.
1. How many ICC trophies has Virat Kohli won as captain?
As of 2025, Virat Kohli has not won any ICC trophies as a captain. However, he was part of India's squad that won the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy as a player.
2. Who is the most successful captain in ICC history?
Statistically, MS Dhoni is the most successful captain in ICC history. He is the only one to have won the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy as captain.
3. Who has more ICC trophies, Virat or Dhoni?
In terms of trophies won as captain:
MS Dhoni: 3
Virat Kohli: 0
So, Dhoni clearly has more ICC trophies than Kohli.
4. Who is the only captain to win all ICC trophies?
MS Dhoni is the only captain to have won all three major ICC events:
2007 T20 World Cup
2011 ODI World Cup
2013 Champions Trophy
This unique record remains unbroken.
