Several cricket players have been named captain of ICC teams multiple times due to their outstanding leadership. These players led their teams to success across formats, earning recognition for their strategic prowess. Their frequent inclusion as ICC captains highlights their impact on the game and legacy in cricket history.
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Alastair Cook – 3
Alastair Cook, England’s highest Test run-scorer upon retirement, was also an accomplished leader. Notable achievements during his captaincy include regaining the Ashes at home in 2015 and securing a historic Test series victory in India in 2012. Cook was named ICC Team of the Year captain in 2013, 2015, and 2016, making him the captain of the ICC team three times.
Ricky Ponting – 7
Ricky Ponting, widely regarded as Australia’s greatest batsman and most successful captain, dominated both Test and ODI cricket. He led Australia to World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007 and broke Steve Waugh’s record for most consecutive Test wins. Ponting’s exceptional leadership earned him recognition from the ICC, being named captain of the ICC ODI Team of the Year in 2004, 2007, 2008, and 2010, and captain of the ICC Test Team of the Year in 2004, 2005, and 2007. This made him captain of the ICC teams a total of seven times.
Virat Kohli – 8
Virat Kohli took over Indian captaincy in late 2014, leading the team to new heights. Under his leadership, India became the No.1 ranked Test team in 2017 and the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia in 2018-19. Kohli was named captain of the ICC Test Team of the Year in 2017, 2018, and 2019. His consistency in ODIs led to four consecutive ICC ODI Team of the Year captaincy (2016-2019). Kohli was named captain of ICC teams 8 times, including Test Team of the Decade.
MS Dhoni – 9
MS Dhoni, one of India’s greatest players, was not only known for his explosive batting but also for his exceptional leadership. His sharp cricketing acumen made him a successful captain, earning him a spot as captain of ICC teams 9 times across formats. Dhoni was named captain of the ICC Test Team of the Year in 2009 and 2010, leading India to No.1 in Test rankings and a historic win in New Zealand. In ODIs, he dominated, leading India to victory in the 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy. He was named captain of the ICC ODI and T20I Teams of the Decade, cementing his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest leaders.