Everyone has an opinion on who the best Indian captain is, especially when it comes to ICC tournaments. The leadership role has been carried forward by many legendary cricketers who gave us moments to cherish forever. They carried the hopes of the nation in events like World Cup and Champions Trophy.

Keeping aside the biasness and individual preferences, it is now time to look at the numbers and check facts. Who truly performed best when it mattered most and led the team to history wins?

Here we are, ranking all Indian captains in ICC events to give you a clear picture.

1. MS Dhoni (2007-2017) | 3 ICC Trophies

MS Dhoni iis the most successful when it comes to Ranking all Indian captains in ICC events | sportzpoint.com — MS Dhoni carrying 3 ICC Trophies won as the captain of India. Image | TOI

ICC T20 World Cup: 2007
ICC Cricket World Cup: 2011
ICC Champions Trophy: 2013

MS Dhoni is the most successful Indian captain, who led them to win all the 3 major ICC titles during his tenure. From using his tactical brilliance under pressure to stepping up when the team needed him the most, this man has done it all!

The begining of Dhoni's captaincy era occured with a historic win in the inaugural season of T20 World Cup in 2007, where he stepped into the leadership role for the first time. And guess what, there was no looking back from that point.

Under his captaincy, India brought the ODI World Cup home after 28 long years in 2011, defeating Sri Lanka in a sensational final. He went on to win the 3rd trophy to fill his shining cabinet, with the 2013 Champions Trophy win.

Dhoni's time as the captain was a remarkable journey, filled with joyous wins and celebrations. He truly proved there is only one 'Captain Cool,' and shall forever be!

Dhoni's captaincy stats in ICC events:

Span	Matches	Won	Lost	Win%
2007-2017	58	40	18	68.97%

Read Also: MS Dhoni's captaincy record in ICC Finals

2. Rohit Sharma (2022-present) | 2 ICC Trophies

Rohit Sharma is 2nd when it comes to Ranking all Indian captains in ICC events | sportzpoint.com — Rohit Sharma poses with 2 ICC silverwares won as the Indian captain. Image | X

ICC T20 World Cup: 2024
ICC Champions Trophy: 2025

Rohit Sharma, with his incredible captaincy skills, not only joined this elite list, but also climbed to the top in a very short period. He took over the charge in 2022 and started moving forward at a good pace.

In 2023, Rohit led India to the World Test Championship Final, as well as the ODI World Cup Final, but the results didn't go in their favour. However, the team bounced back the following year and won the T20 World Cup after dominating throughout the tournament.

India got back-to-back reasons to celebrate, as the team brought the 2025 Champions Trophy home as well! With this feat, Rohit became the first and the only captain to lead a team to all ICC tournament finals.

Rohit announced his retirement from T20Is (in 2024, after the WC win) and Test cricket (in 2025). He will continue to lead India in the ODI format, with his eyes fixated on the 2027 World Cup.

Sharma's captain stats in ICC events:

Span	Matches	Won	Lost	Win%
2022-present	54	39	12	72.22%

3. Kapil Dev (1982-1987) | 1 ICC Trophy

Kapil Dev is the 3rd name when it comes to Ranking all Indian captains in ICC events | sportzpoint.com — Kapil Dev lifting the World Cup in 1983. Image | India TV News

ICC Cricket World Cup: 1983

Kapil Dev is the first World Cup winning captain for India, who lifted the trophy at the iconic Lord's, after a phenomenal victory over West Indies in 1983. At just 24 years of age, he became the youngest captain to win the WC for any team.

Although his captaincy stint was relatively short, but it was a time to remember as Indian cricket team saw a rise competing at the grandest stage. Dev led the nation to their first-ever ICC trophy, which is truly unforgettable.

Read Also: ICC tournaments hosted by India – History & Highlights

Dev's captaincy stats in ICC events:

Span	Matches	Won	Lost	Win%
1982-1987	15	11	4	73.33%

4. Sourav Ganguly (2000-2005) | 1 ICC Trophy

Ranking all Indian captains in ICC events | sportzpoint.com — Sourav Ganguly sharing the 2002 Champions Trophy with the Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya. Image | Facebook

ICC Champions Trophy: 2002

Sourav Ganguly's captaincy is widely regarded as a transformational period for Indian Cricket. He took over the team during a difficult period and instilled new sense of belief and competitiveness.

As the captain, he led India to reach the final of 2003 World Cup and 2000 Champions Trophy. The heroic moment arrived in 2002 Champions Trophy, when India performed excellently throughout and reached the finals to meet the host Sri Lanka.

The final match was washed out in Colombo, which led to the declaration of joint winners. However, this title marked India's first in the Champions Trophy, led elegantly by Ganguly.

Ganguly's captaincy stats in ICC events:

Span	Matches	Won	Lost	Win%
2000-2005	22	16	5	72.72%

Read Also: Most successful Test captains from India

5. Virat Kohli (2014-2022)

Virat Kohli is the must mention name when it comes to Ranking all Indian captains in ICC events | sportzpoint.com — Virat Kohli during his captaincy stint for India. Image | CNN

ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup: 2008

While Virat Kohli may not have secured a major ICC trophy as the senior Indian team captain, his leadership journey includes a significant triumph: captaining the U-19 team to a World Cup victory.

So, when the discussion is about greatest Indian captains, this legendary player shall always get a mention. He is one of those players who redefined Indian cricket.

His record as India's most successful Test captain, with an impressive 40 wins, solidifies his standing as one of the game's absolute best, consistently boosting team spirits and driving high standards.

Some things cannot be just measured by trophies, and King Kohli's tale is one of those that the future generations will hear and admire.

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