Team India’s rich cricketing history has seen the rise of numerous captains who have left an indelible mark on the sport. From CK Nayudu, the nation’s first international captain, to the current generation of leaders, India has produced skippers who have not only dominated world cricket but also inspired millions.
MS Dhoni the best?
While there have been several world-beating captains, but who, according to the public, is the greatest skipper to have led the Indian cricket team?
To find out, Insidesport hit the streets of Mumbai and posed the question to 12 people. The results were clear: MS Dhoni emerged as the overwhelming favorite. A staggering five people named the former Indian captain as the best ever, cementing his status as a cricketing icon in the hearts of many. Dhoni’s legacy as a captain is unparalleled.
His ice-cool demeanor and tactical acumen led India to three ICC titles – the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. Despite passing the captaincy baton to Virat Kohli in later stage of his career, Dhoni’s game awareness and the ability to bring out best from his resources was one of a kind.
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Rohit, Ganguly followed by Kohli
Hot on Dhoni’s heels is current captain Rohit Sharma, who received four votes. Rohit’s recent success in leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup has clearly resonated with fans. This triumph, India’s first ICC title since Dhoni’s 2013 Champions Trophy win, has catapulted the Hitman into one of the most successful skippers, and surely one of the best in current generation.
Sourav Ganguly, the man who laid the foundation for India’s cricket resurgence in early 2000s, received two votes. He is still one of the best in the hearts of, as they say, ’90s kids’. Virat Kohli, despite his impressive captaincy record, managed to garner just one vote, perhaps indicating that his aggressive style is not everyone’s cup of tea.