Top 10 ODI Captains with the Most Runs Playing as Captain in ODI: Powerful Leaders on the Field

In cricket, captaining a team in One Day Internationals (ODIs) is a big responsibility. But some captains don’t just lead their teams; they also score heavily, making a huge difference with the bat. This article highlights the top 10 players with the Most Runs Playing as Captain in ODI cricket. These cricket legends have shown how to balance leadership with top-class batting performances.

List of Top 10 ODI Captains with the Most Runs Playing as Captain in ODI

10. Allan Border

Allan Border ranks tenth among players with the Most Runs Playing as Captain in ODI. In 178 matches, he scored 4439 runs with a highest score of 127 not out. Border was known for his grit and determination, providing Australia with much-needed stability during tough times. His two centuries and 27 fifties highlight his consistency and importance as a leader-batsman. Border’s ability to handle pressure while leading his team made him a dependable figure in Australian cricket history.

Player	Country	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	100s	50s
Allan Border	Australia	178	4439	127*	2	27

9. AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers is ranked ninth for Most Runs Playing as Captain in ODI, with 4796 runs in 103 matches. Famous for his 360-degree batting style, he scored 13 centuries and 27 fifties. His highest unbeaten score of 162 showcases his match-winning ability. De Villiers’ versatility and aggressive approach with the bat made him a key figure in South Africa’s success while captaining the team.

Player	Country	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	100s	50s
AB de Villiers	South Africa	103	4796	162*	13	27

8. Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly holds the eighth position in the list of players with the Most Runs Playing as Captain in ODI. Over 147 matches, he scored 5104 runs, including 11 centuries and 30 fifties. His highest score of 144 showed his ability to play long innings and inspire his team. Ganguly’s aggressive captaincy style helped shape modern Indian cricket, combining leadership with strong batting performances.

Player	Country	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	100s	50s
Sourav Ganguly	India	147	5104	144	11	30

7. Mohammad Azharuddin

Mohammad Azharuddin is seventh on the list of players with the Most Runs Playing as Captain in ODI. Over 175 matches, he scored 5243 runs, with a highest unbeaten 153. Known for his elegant stroke play, Azharuddin had 4 centuries and 37 half-centuries as captain. His style combined grace with efficiency, providing India with both stability and aggression. Azharuddin’s consistency and ability to perform under pressure made him an important leader. His presence at number seven confirms his place among the top batsmen who scored the Most Runs Playing as Captain in ODI.

Player	Country	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	100s	50s
Mohammad Azharuddin	India	175	5243	153*	4	37

6. Graeme Smith

Graeme Smith, sixth on the list of players with the Most Runs Playing as Captain in ODI, was South Africa’s fearless leader. In 150 matches, he scored 5416 runs, including a top score of 141. Smith’s aggressive batting combined with tactical acumen made him a formidable captain. His 8 centuries and 37 fifties prove his consistency in leading from the front. Smith’s leadership helped South Africa achieve success in ODIs, and his batting performances solidify his place among the elite with the Most Runs Playing as Captain in ODI.

Player	Country	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	100s	50s
Graeme Smith	South Africa	150	5416	141	8	37

5. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli ranks fifth among players with the Most Runs Playing as Captain in ODI. Despite captaining fewer matches (95), he amassed 5449 runs with a highest unbeaten 160. Kohli’s 21 centuries and 27 fifties reflect his exceptional consistency and hunger for runs. Known for his aggressive yet composed style, Kohli inspires his team through his batting prowess. His ability to chase down targets and score under pressure makes him one of the most successful captains in ODI cricket history with the Most Runs Playing as Captain in ODI.

Player	Country	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	100s	50s
Virat Kohli	India	95	5449	160*	21	27

4. Arjuna Ranatunga

Arjuna Ranatunga ranks fourth for Most Runs Playing as Captain in ODI. With 5608 runs in 193 matches, he led Sri Lanka with tactical brilliance. His highest score of 131* and 4 centuries alongside 37 fifties showcased his batting resilience. Ranatunga’s leadership helped elevate Sri Lankan cricket to new heights on the world stage.

Player	Country	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	100s	50s
Arjuna Ranatunga	Sri Lanka	193	5608	131*	4	37

3. Stephen Fleming

Stephen Fleming stands third on the list of players with the Most Runs Playing as Captain in ODI. Over 218 matches, he scored 6295 runs, including 7 centuries and 38 fifties. Fleming’s highest score of 134* shows his ability to anchor innings for New Zealand. His calm demeanor and strategic mind helped his team remain competitive. Fleming’s batting performances as captain demonstrate his important role in New Zealand’s cricket history, marking him as one of the top players with the Most Runs Playing as Captain in ODI.

Player	Country	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	100s	50s
Stephen Fleming	New Zealand	218	6295	134*	7	38

2. MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni is second in the list of players with the Most Runs Playing as Captain in ODI. In 200 matches, Dhoni scored 6641 runs, showcasing his unique ability to finish matches. His highest score of 139* along with 6 centuries and 47 fifties make him one of the greatest captains. Dhoni’s calm temperament and match-winning batting often guided India to victory. His leadership and consistency with the bat make him an iconic figure in the history of players with the Most Runs Playing as Captain in ODI.

Player	Country	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	100s	50s
MS Dhoni	India	200	6641	139*	6	47

1. Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting tops the list for Most Runs Playing as Captain in ODI with 8497 runs in 230 matches. His highest score of 164, along with 22 centuries and 51 fifties, shows his unmatched dominance. Ponting’s aggressive leadership and powerful batting style led Australia to numerous victories. His ability to perform consistently with the bat while captaining made him the greatest captain-batsman in ODI cricket.

Player	Country	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	100s	50s
Ricky Ponting	Australia	230	8497	164	22	51

READ MORE:

• Top 10 Most Test Runs as Captains: Powerful Leaders
• Top 10 Longest Run Streaks Without Dismissal in Test Cricket: Unstoppable Legends

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