Former Australia captain holds the record for most runs as captain in ODIs. The 50-year-old led Australia in 230 ODIs, scoring 8497 runs at an average of 42.91. Regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, Ponting has led Australia to two World Cups and two Champions Trophy wins. He hit 22 centuries and 51 half-centuries during his time as captain.
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Legendary cricketer MS Dhoni stands second on the list, with 6641 runs in 200 matches as captain. The former India captain smacked six centuries and 47 half-centuries during his time as ODI captain. He proved to be a pillar in India's middle order batting and was adjudged Player of the Match for his ruthless knock of 91* runs in the ODI World Cup 2011 final. He also helped India win the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the Champions Trophy in 2013.
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Former New Zealand international Stephen Fleming stands third with 6295 runs in 218 matches as captain. The 52-year-old hit seven centuries and 38 half-centuries during his time as the ODI captain. He was one of New Zealand's most dependable openers in history and lifted the Champions Trophy in 2000.
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Sri Lanka's Arjuna Ranatunga stands fourth on the elite list. The 61-year-old made 5608 runs in 193 matches as captain of the ODI team. He was extremely influential in the dressing room and also hit four centuries and 37 half-centuries during his time as captain. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka also won the ODI World Cup in 1996.
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Legendary cricketer Virat Kohli sits fifth on the list of most runs scored by a captain in ODI cricket. The 36-year-old made 5449 runs in 95 matches as India captain. During his tenure, the Delhi-born hit 21 centuries and 27 half-centuries. He was also part of the squad during the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy squad. Kohli also helped India lift the T20 World Cup in 2024.
