Leading a team to a cup in the ODI World Cup is a dream of every cricketer. The first World Cup-winning captain was Clive Lloyd of the West Indies, who led his team to victory in the inaugural Cricket World Cup in 1975. Under his leadership, the West Indies also won the 1979 World Cup. India’s first World Cup-winning captain was Kapil Dev, who famously led India to their maiden victory in 1983.
The first T20 World Cup-winning captain was MS Dhoni, who led his team to victory in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007. In the on-going 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma has the opportunity to become the second Indian captain to lift the T20 World Cup trophy.
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Check out a list of captains who have won the ODI and T20 World Cup silverware.
List of Cricket World Cup Winning Captains from 1975 to 2023
| Year | Team | Captain |
| 1975 | West Indies | Clive Lloyd |
| 1979 | West Indies | Clive Lloyd |
| 1983 | India | Kapil Dev |
| 1987 | Australia | Allan Border |
| 1992 | Pakistan | Imran Khan |
| 1996 | Sri Lanka | Arjuna Ranatunga |
| 1999 | Australia | Steve Waugh |
| 2003 | Australia | Ricky Ponting |
| 2007 | Australia | Ricky Ponting |
| 2011 | India | MS Dhoni |
| 2015 | Australia | Michael Clarke |
| 2019 | England | Eoin Morgan |
| 2023 | Australia | Pat Cummins |
1. Clive Loyd – 1975
In 1975, Clive Lloyd led the West Indies to victory in the inaugural ODI World Cup. The final against Australia saw Lloyd scoring a commanding century, leading his team to a 17-run victory. His leadership and batting prowess were pivotal as West Indies became the first World Cup champions.
Clive Lloyd repeated his success in 1979 when the West Indies again lifted the trophy. This time, they faced England in the final, winning by 92 runs. Lloyd’s experience and tactical acumen were instrumental as the West Indies cemented their dominance in early World Cup history.
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2. Kapil Dev – 1983
In 1983, Kapil Dev captained India to a historic win against the West Indies in the final of the World Cup. Despite being underdogs, India managed to defend a modest total of 183 runs, winning by 43 runs. Kapil Dev’s all-round performance, especially his iconic 175* against Zimbabwe in the group stage, was crucial for India’s triumph. Dev still holds the record for the youngest captain (at the age of 24) to win the ODI World Cup for any team.
3. Allan Border – 1987
Alan Border’s leadership in the 1987 World Cup was a defining moment for Australian cricket. Before this tournament, Australia had not enjoyed significant success in World Cups, making Border’s task particularly challenging. The final, held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, was played against England. Australia posted a total of 253 runs, thanks to solid contributions from David Boon and Mike Veletta. England, in response, fell short by 7 runs. Post the 1987 World Cup, Border’s influence on Australian cricket continued to grow. He led the team through a transitional period, laying the foundation for future successes.
4. Imran Khan – 1992
Imran Khan’s captaincy in 1992 brought Pakistan their maiden World Cup title. The final against England saw Pakistan winning by 22 runs, with Khan himself contributing significantly both with the bat and ball. His vision and inspirational leadership left a lasting legacy in Pakistan cricket.
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5. Arjuna Ranatunga – 1996
Sri Lanka’s victory in 1996 under Arjuna Ranatunga was a landmark moment. They defeated Australia by 7 wickets in the final. Chasing 242 to win, Sri Lanka finished the game in 46.2 overs. Ranatunga scored the winning runs for his team in the final and remained unbeaten on 47. Ranatunga is often regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s best captains. He took over as captain in 1988 and led them for the next eleven years. During his tenure, he transformed the team from underdogs into a competitive side.
6. Steve Waugh – 1999
Steve Waugh captained Australia to victory in the 1999 World Cup, where they defeated Pakistan by 8 wickets in the final. Waugh’s gritty and determined leadership style was mirrored by his team’s dominant performance throughout the tournament. He is also regarded as one of Australia’s most successful Test captains, leading them to 15 of their 16 consecutive Test wins.
7. Ricky Ponting – 2003 and 2007
Ricky Ponting led Australia to consecutive World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007. In 2003, Australia defeated India by 125 runs, with Ponting himself scoring a match-winning century in the final. In 2007, they overcame Sri Lanka by 53 runs (D/L method) in the final, maintaining an unbeaten record throughout both tournaments under Ponting’s assertive captaincy.
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8. MS Dhoni – 2011
MS Dhoni captained India to their second World Cup win in 2011. The final against Sri Lanka was memorable, with Dhoni scoring an unbeaten 91 to lead India to a 6-wicket victory. This victory marked India’s 28-year-long to wait to win their second World Cup title.
9. Michael Clarke – 2015
Michael Clarke led Australia to another World Cup win in 2015. The final saw Australia defeating New Zealand by 7 wickets. The Australian bowlers did a brilliant job to bowl out New Zealand for under 200 runs and then chase down the target in 33.1 overs.
10. Eoin Morgan – 2019
In 2019, Eoin Morgan captained England to their first-ever World Cup win. The final against New Zealand ended in a dramatic tie, leading to a Super Over, which was also tied, following which England won on the boundary count rule.
11. Pat Cummins – 2023
Pat Cummins captained Australia to their latest World Cup victory in 2023. The final saw Australia defeating India by 5 wickets. This was the sixth ODI World Cup title for Australia.
T20 Cricket World Cup Winning Captains List
| Year | Team | Captain |
| 2007 | India | MS Dhoni |
| 2009 | Pakistan | Younis Khan |
| 2010 | England | Paul Collingwood |
| 2012 | Daren Sammy | West Indies |
| 2014 | Sri Lanka | Lasith Malinga |
| 2016 | Daren Sammy | West Indies |
| 2021 | Australia | Aaron Finch |
| 2022 | England | Jos Buttler |
1. MS Dhoni – 2007
The inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 was held in South Africa, and it marked the beginning of a new era in cricket. India, under the leadership of MS Dhoni, clinched the title. The final, held at Johannesburg, was a nail-biting encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan. Dhoni’s strategic decisions, including the bold move to give the final over to Joginder Sharma, played a pivotal role in India’s victory, establishing Dhoni as one of the best captains in world cricket.
2. Younis Khan – 2009
The 2009 T20 World Cup, held in England, saw Pakistan emerge as champions under the captaincy of Younis Khan. The final match against Sri Lanka showcased Pakistan’s dominance, with Shahid Afridi playing a crucial role. Younis Khan’s leadership was a perfect blend of aggression and tactical acumen, which helped Pakistan secure their maiden T20 World Cup title.
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3. Paul Collingwood – 2010
England, led by Paul Collingwood, claimed their first ICC trophy in the 2010 T20 World Cup held in the West Indies. England’s success was built on a strong batting lineup and an effective bowling unit. The final against Australia saw England chasing down 148 with ease, thanks to the explosive batting of Craig Kieswetter and Kevin Pietersen.
4. Daren Sammy – 2012
West Indies won their first T20 World Cup in 2012 under the captaincy of Daren Sammy. The final against Sri Lanka was a low scoring affair in which the West Indies bowlers did an excellent job to defend a target of 138, bowling out the opponents for just 101 runs.
5. Lasith Malinga – 2014
In 2014, Sri Lanka, under the leadership of Lasith Malinga, won their first T20 World Cup. The tournament, held in Bangladesh, saw Malinga taking over the captaincy midway due to Dinesh Chandimal’s suspension. Sri Lanka defeated India in the final by six wickets after chasing down 131 in 17.5 overs.
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6. Daren Sammy – 2016
Daren Sammy once again led the West Indies to T20 World Cup glory in 2016, held in India. The final against England was one of the most thrilling matches in T20 history, with Carlos Brathwaite hitting four consecutive sixes in the final over to seal the victory.
7. Aaron Finch – 2021
The 2021 T20 World Cup, held in the UAE, saw Australia, led by Aaron Finch, claim their first T20 World Cup title. The final against New Zealand saw Australia chasing down 173 in 18.5 overs, thanks to a brilliant partnership between Mitchell Marsh and David Warner.
8. Jos Buttler – 2022
In 2022, England, under the captaincy of Jos Buttler, won their second T20 World Cup, held in Australia. The final against Pakistan was a closely fought contest in which England chased down 138 with six balls remaining.
Further Read: T20 World Cup Winners List
Conclusion
These captains, who led their respective teams to glory in the ODI and T20 World Cup, are among the best captains in cricket. From MS Dhoni to Ricky Ponting, each of these players are fondly remembered not just for their individual performances but also for their captaincy.
T20 World Cup winning captains have always inspired their respective sides. You too can pick your own captain when you make your fantasy cricket team. Download WinZO Fantasy Cricket App to start playing fantasy cricket and win money.
FAQs about ICC Cricket World Cup Winning Captains
Q) Who is the first-ever ODI World Cup winning captain?
A) The first-ever ODI World Cup winning captain is Clive Lloyd of the West Indies. He led his team to victory in the inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup in 1975, held in England. Under his captaincy, the West Indies defeated Australia in the final to claim the first-ever ODI World Cup title.
Q) Who is the first-ever T20 World Cup winning captain?
A) The first-ever T20 World Cup winning captain is MS Dhoni. He led the Indian team to victory in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, held in South Africa. India defeated Pakistan in a thrilling final to become the first team to win the T20 World Cup.
Q) Who is the captain of the Indian Cricket Team in the T20 World Cup 2024?
A) Rohit Sharma is at the helm of the Indian Cricket Team in the on-going T20 World Cup 2024.
