Top 10 Captains with most runs in ODIs: Captain is the best judges of the situation in an game. Some captains also lead by themselves, creating examples for other players to follow and get inspired from. He is the person everyone looks upto in times of despair and anguish. Great batsmen who have been made Captains, have led from front making more and more runs for their teams inspiring others to do the same.

Here are 10 such Captains with most runs in ODIs.

10. Hansie Cronje (SA) &#8211; 4125 Mt: 140 Avg: 37.50

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/12/Hansie-Cronje.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-8367 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Hansie-Cronje.jpg" alt="Former South African captain late Hansie Cronje won 11 matches in World Cup as Captain. (Photo Source: Laurence Griffiths / AllSport UK Ltd)" width="196" height="297"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-8367" class="wp-caption-text">Former South African captain late Hansie Cronje made 4125 runs in 140 matches as captain.(Photo Source: Laurence Griffiths / AllSport UK Ltd)</figcaption>

Hansie Cronje became captain in 1994 after retirement of Kepler Wessels and led the team until 2000 when his involvement in match fixing was uncovered and he confessed everything and banned for life.  He made 4125 runs in 140 matches as captain. He led South Africa to semi-finals of the 1999 World Cup and made them a cricketing super power, something they have carried till now, even after his death in 2002.

9. Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) – 4364 Mt: 117 Avg: 38.62

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/11/Sanath-Jayasuriya.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-6927 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sanath-Jayasuriya.jpg" alt="most 50 plus scores in ODIs" width="406" height="312" sizes="(max-width: 406px) 100vw, 406px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6927" class="wp-caption-text">Sanath Jayasuriya made 4364 runs in 117 matches as captain.(Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

The Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya made 4364 runs in 117 matches as captain. This included 10 centuries and 25 fifties. He captained the side from 2001-2006, with breaks in between. During his tenure, Sri Lanka managed to share the 2002 Champions trophy with India. 8. Allan Border (Aus) &#8211; 4439 Mt: 178 Avg: 32.16

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/11/Allan-Border.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-7022" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Allan-Border.jpeg" alt="Allan Border captained 178 matches scoring 4439 runs at an average of 32.16.(Photo Source: Getty Images )" width="361" height="551" sizes="(max-width: 361px) 100vw, 361px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-7022" class="wp-caption-text">Allan Border captained 178 matches scoring 4439 runs at an average of 32.16.(Photo Source: Getty Images )</figcaption>

Allan Border captained Australia till 1994 from 1985. This included the World Cup win in 1987 and he played 178 matches scoring 4439 runs at an average of 32.16. Border inherited a team that was weakened with sudden retirements of Greg Chappell, Dennis Lillee and Rod Marsh and had to rebuild a team with new players like Dean Jones, Steve Waugh, Craig McDermott and Mark Taylor.

Also Read &#8211; <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/team-wise-most-successful-odi-captains/" target="_blank">Team Wise Most Successful ODI Captains</a> 7. Sourav Ganguly (Asia/India) &#8211; 5104      Mt: 147 Avg: 38.66

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/Sourav-Ganguly-4.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-13351 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sourav-Ganguly-4.jpg" alt="Sourav Ganguly" width="403" height="269" sizes="(max-width: 403px) 100vw, 403px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13351" class="wp-caption-text">Ganguly made 5104 runs leading India in 147 ODI matches at an average of 38.66.(Photo Source: Google)</figcaption>

Indian captain Sourav Ganguly was made captain in 2000 after Sachin Tendulkar turned down captaincy after a disastrous Australian tour of 1999-2000. He inherited a fairly new team consisting of Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra. He made 5104 runs leading India in 147 ODI matches at an average of 38.66. He won the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy, reached the finals of 2003 World Cup and beat Pakistan in Pakistan in test and ODI series in 2004 amongst other achievements. 6. Mohd. Azharuddin (India) &#8211; 5169                          Mt: 174 Avg: 38.86

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/01/Mohammad-Azharuddin.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-9741 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mohammad-Azharuddin.jpg" alt="Mohammad Azharuddin is the second most successful captain of India in ODIs. (Photo Source: AFP)" width="406" height="397" sizes="(max-width: 406px) 100vw, 406px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9741" class="wp-caption-text">Mohammad Azharuddin led India in 174 matches and scored 5169 runs at an average of 38.86. (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption>

Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin got the captaincy in 1990 against New Zealand when the previous captain Kris Srikkanth got in a tiff with the selectors over the 1989 Pakistan tour. Azhar led India in 174 matches and scored 5169 runs at an average of 38.86. He was a player’s captain with taking both seniors and juniors along. 5. Graeme Smith (Afr/SA) &#8211; 5414                              Mt: 149 Avg: 39.23

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/02/SAf-Eng.png"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-6716 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/SAf-Eng.png" alt="Graeme Smith won 11 matches in World Cup as Captain. (Photo: Getty Images) " width="393" height="516" sizes="(max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6716" class="wp-caption-text">Graeme Smith led South Africa in 149 matches, scoring 5414 runs with an average of 39.23.(Photo: Getty Images)</figcaption>

Graeme Smith became captain at the age of 22 in 2003 after Shaun Pollock led South Africa was knocked out of the 2003 World Cup. Smith led South Africa till the 2011 World Cup captaining in 149 matches, scoring 5414 runs with an average of 39.23. He scored 8 centuries, led South Africa to semi-finals of the 2007 World Cup and no.1 team ranking in Test cricket.

4. Arjuna Ranatunga (SL) &#8211; 5608                 Mt: 193 Avg: 37.63

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/02/Arjun-Ranatunga.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-12114 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Arjun-Ranatunga.jpg" alt="Arjuna Ranatunga masterminded Sri Lanka’s brilliant and surprising victory in the 1996 World Cup. (Photo Source:Getty Images)" width="376" height="527" sizes="(max-width: 376px) 100vw, 376px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-12114" class="wp-caption-text">Arjuna Ranatunga led Sri Lanka in 193 matches and scored 5608 runs at an average of 37.63 (Photo Source:Getty Images)</figcaption>

Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga led Sri Lanka in 193 matches from 1988 to 1999. Ranatunga scored 5608 runs at an average of 37.63 with 4 centuries. Ranatunga transformed a minnow Sri Lanka team to a world champion and world beater. He always had his player’s back as evident from the Muralitharan’s throwing incident in Australia in 1995, when he took his team off the field when umpire called Murali for throwing despite him getting clearance from ICC.

3. Stephen Fleming (NZ) &#8211; 6295                  Mt: 218 Avg: 32.78

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/11/Stephen-Fleming.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-6929 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Stephen-Fleming.jpg" alt="Former Kiwi captain Stephen Fleming won 16 matches in World Cup as Captain. (Photo Source: Getty Images)" width="380" height="537" sizes="(max-width: 380px) 100vw, 380px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6929" class="wp-caption-text">Stephen Fleming scored 6295 runs in 218 matches as captain of New Zealand at an average of 32.78 .(Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

Stephen Fleming was another young captain, handed the reins in 1997 at the age of 23 years. Fleming led New Zealand to 2000 ICC Knockout trophy win against India. He led the team until his retirement from the game in World Cup 2007 semi-final against Sri Lanka. Fleming scored 6295 runs in 218 matches as captain of New Zealand at an average of 32.78 with 7 hundreds.

2. MS Dhoni (India) &#8211; 6441                            Mt: 191 Avg: 54.58

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/MS-Dhoni-CWC-15.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-14866" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/MS-Dhoni-CWC-15.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni has made 6022 runs at an average of 56.81 in 178 matches as captain.(© Getty Images) " width="399" height="306" sizes="(max-width: 399px) 100vw, 399px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-14866" class="wp-caption-text">MS Dhoni has made 6441 runs at an average of 54.58 in 191 matches as captain. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

MS Dhoni has made 6441 runs at an average of 54.58 in 191 matches as captain. He was asked to lead India in 2007 after his successful World T20 win. He has since led India to one success after another, winning the 2011 World Cup, 2013 ICC champion’s trophy, 2008 tri-series in Australia are some of his achievements.  He recently led India to the semi-finals of the 2015 World Cup, where they lost to Australia.

Also Read &#8211; <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/top-10-most-successful-odi-captains/" target="_blank">Top 10 most successful ODI captains</a>

1. Ricky Ponting (Aus/ICC) – 8497 Mt: 230 Avg: 42.91

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/12/Ricky-Ponting-Punter.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-7836 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ricky-Ponting-Punter.jpg" alt="South Africa scored 326/3 with Graeme Smith making 84 and Jacques Kallis (80*) and Jonty Rhodes (71*) adding 135 for the 5th wicket. (Photo Source: Getty Images)" width="394" height="544" sizes="(max-width: 394px) 100vw, 394px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-7836" class="wp-caption-text">Ponting led Australia in 230 matches and scored 8497 runs at an average of 42.91.(Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

Ricky Ponting led Australia from 2002 to 2011. He won the World Cup in 2003 and 2007 as captain of the team. Ponting led Australia in 230 matches and scored 8497 runs at an average of 42.91. He also scored 22 hundreds as well. Ponting stepped down from the captaincy after Australia was defeated in the 2011 World Cup quarter finals by India.

(All stats updated till 27th Feb, 2016)

Former South African captain late Hansie Cronje won 11 matches in World Cup as Captain. (Photo Source: Laurence Griffiths / AllSport UK Ltd)

Top 10 Captains with most runs in ODIs: Captain is the best judges of the situation in an game. Some captains also lead by themselves, creating examples for other players to follow and get inspired from. He is the person everyone looks upto in times of despair and anguish. Great batsmen who have been made Captains, have led from front making more and more runs for their teams inspiring others to do the same.
<h3>Here are 10 such Captains with most runs in ODIs.</h3>
10. Hansie Cronje (SA) – 4125 
 Mt: 140 Avg: 37.50 

<figure id="attachment_8367" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8367" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/12/Hansie-Cronje.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-8367 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Hansie-Cronje.jpg" alt="Former South African captain late Hansie Cronje won 11 matches in World Cup as Captain. (Photo Source: Laurence Griffiths / AllSport UK Ltd)" width="196" height="297" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-8367" class="wp-caption-text">Former South African captain late Hansie Cronje made 4125 runs in 140 matches as captain.(Photo Source: Laurence Griffiths / AllSport UK Ltd)</figcaption></figure>
Hansie Cronje became captain in 1994 after retirement of Kepler Wessels and led the team until 2000 when his involvement in match fixing was uncovered and he confessed everything and banned for life. &nbsp;He made 4125 runs in 140 matches as captain. He led South Africa to semi-finals of the 1999 World Cup and made them a cricketing super power, something they have carried till now, even after his death in 2002. 

9. Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) – 4364 
 Mt: 117 Avg: 38.62
<figure id="attachment_6927" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6927" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/11/Sanath-Jayasuriya.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-6927 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sanath-Jayasuriya.jpg" alt="most 50 plus scores in ODIs" width="406" height="312" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6927" class="wp-caption-text">Sanath Jayasuriya made 4364 runs in 117 matches as captain.(Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya made 4364 runs in 117 matches as captain. This included 10 centuries and 25 fifties. He captained the side from 2001-2006, with breaks in between. During his tenure, Sri Lanka managed to share the 2002 Champions trophy with India. 
8. Allan Border (Aus) – 4439 
 Mt: 178 Avg: 32.16
<figure id="attachment_7022" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7022" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/11/Allan-Border.jpeg"><amp-img class=" wp-image-7022" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Allan-Border.jpeg" alt="Allan Border captained 178 matches scoring 4439 runs at an average of 32.16.(Photo Source: Getty Images )" width="361" height="551" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-7022" class="wp-caption-text">Allan Border captained 178 matches scoring 4439 runs at an average of 32.16.(Photo Source: Getty Images )</figcaption></figure>
Allan Border captained Australia till 1994 from 1985. This included the World Cup win in 1987 and he played 178 matches scoring 4439 runs at an average of 32.16. Border inherited a team that was weakened with sudden retirements of Greg Chappell, Dennis Lillee and Rod Marsh and had to rebuild a team with new players like Dean Jones, Steve Waugh, Craig McDermott and Mark Taylor.
<h4>Also Read – <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/team-wise-most-successful-odi-captains/" target="_blank">Team Wise Most Successful ODI Captains</a> 
7. Sourav Ganguly (Asia/India) – 5104&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Mt: 147 Avg: 38.66</h4>
<figure id="attachment_13351" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13351" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/Sourav-Ganguly-4.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-13351 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sourav-Ganguly-4.jpg" alt="Sourav Ganguly" width="403" height="269" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13351" class="wp-caption-text">Ganguly made 5104 runs leading India in 147 ODI matches at an average of 38.66.(Photo Source: Google)</figcaption></figure>
Indian captain Sourav Ganguly was made captain in 2000 after Sachin Tendulkar turned down captaincy after a disastrous Australian tour of 1999-2000. He inherited a fairly new team consisting of Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra. He made 5104 runs leading India in 147 ODI matches at an average of 38.66. He won the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy, reached the finals of 2003 World Cup and beat Pakistan in Pakistan in test and ODI series in 2004 amongst other achievements. 
6. Mohd. Azharuddin (India) – 5169 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Mt: 174 Avg: 38.86
<figure id="attachment_9741" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9741" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/01/Mohammad-Azharuddin.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-9741 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mohammad-Azharuddin.jpg" alt="Mohammad Azharuddin is the second most successful captain of India in ODIs. (Photo Source: AFP)" width="406" height="397" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9741" class="wp-caption-text">Mohammad Azharuddin led India in 174 matches and scored 5169 runs at an average of 38.86. (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption></figure>
Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin got the captaincy in 1990 against New Zealand when the previous captain Kris Srikkanth got in a tiff with the selectors over the 1989 Pakistan tour. Azhar led India in 174 matches and scored 5169 runs at an average of 38.86. He was a player’s captain with taking both seniors and juniors along. 
5. Graeme Smith (Afr/SA) – 5414 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Mt: 149 Avg: 39.23&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_6716" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6716" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/02/SAf-Eng.png"><amp-img class="wp-image-6716 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/SAf-Eng.png" alt="Graeme Smith won 11 matches in World Cup as Captain. (Photo: Getty Images) " width="393" height="516" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6716" class="wp-caption-text">Graeme Smith led South Africa in 149 matches, scoring 5414 runs with an average of 39.23.(Photo: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Graeme Smith became captain at the age of 22 in 2003 after Shaun Pollock led South Africa was knocked out of the 2003 World Cup. Smith led South Africa till the 2011 World Cup captaining in 149 matches, scoring 5414 runs with an average of 39.23. He scored 8 centuries, led South Africa to semi-finals of the 2007 World Cup and no.1 team ranking in Test cricket. 

4. Arjuna Ranatunga (SL) – 5608&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Mt: 193 Avg: 37.63
<figure id="attachment_12114" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-12114" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/02/Arjun-Ranatunga.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-12114 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Arjun-Ranatunga.jpg" alt="Arjuna Ranatunga masterminded Sri Lanka’s brilliant and surprising victory in the 1996 World Cup. (Photo Source:Getty Images)" width="376" height="527" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-12114" class="wp-caption-text">Arjuna Ranatunga led Sri Lanka in 193 matches and scored 5608 runs at an average of 37.63 (Photo Source:Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga led Sri Lanka in 193 matches from 1988 to 1999. Ranatunga scored 5608 runs at an average of 37.63 with 4 centuries. Ranatunga transformed a minnow Sri Lanka team to a world champion and world beater. He always had his player’s back as evident from the Muralitharan’s throwing incident in Australia in 1995, when he took his team off the field when umpire called Murali for throwing despite him getting clearance from ICC. 

3. Stephen Fleming (NZ) – 6295&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Mt: 218 Avg: 32.78
<figure id="attachment_6929" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6929" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/11/Stephen-Fleming.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-6929 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Stephen-Fleming.jpg" alt="Former Kiwi captain Stephen Fleming won 16 matches in World Cup as Captain. (Photo Source: Getty Images)" width="380" height="537" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6929" class="wp-caption-text">Stephen Fleming scored 6295 runs in 218 matches as captain of New Zealand at an average of 32.78 .(Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Stephen Fleming was another young captain, handed the reins in 1997 at the age of 23 years. Fleming led New Zealand to 2000 ICC Knockout trophy win against India. He led the team until his retirement from the game in World Cup 2007 semi-final against Sri Lanka. Fleming scored 6295 runs in 218 matches as captain of New Zealand at an average of 32.78 with 7 hundreds. 

2. MS Dhoni (India) – 6441 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Mt: 191 Avg: 54.58
<figure id="attachment_14866" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-14866" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/MS-Dhoni-CWC-15.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-14866" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/MS-Dhoni-CWC-15.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni has made 6022 runs at an average of 56.81 in 178 matches as captain.(© Getty Images) " width="399" height="306" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-14866" class="wp-caption-text">MS Dhoni has made 6441 runs at an average of 54.58 in 191 matches as captain. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
MS Dhoni has made 6441 runs at an average of 54.58 in 191 matches as captain. He was asked to lead India in 2007 after his successful World T20 win. He has since led India to one success after another, winning the 2011 World Cup, 2013 ICC champion’s trophy, 2008 tri-series in Australia are some of his achievements.&nbsp; He recently led India to the semi-finals of the 2015 World Cup, where they lost to Australia.
<h4>Also Read – <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/top-10-most-successful-odi-captains/" target="_blank">Top 10 most successful ODI captains</a></h4>

1. Ricky Ponting (Aus/ICC) – 8497 
 Mt: 230 Avg: 42.91&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_7836" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7836" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/12/Ricky-Ponting-Punter.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-7836 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ricky-Ponting-Punter.jpg" alt="South Africa scored 326/3 with Graeme Smith making 84 and Jacques Kallis (80*) and Jonty Rhodes (71*) adding 135 for the 5th wicket. (Photo Source: Getty Images)" width="394" height="544" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-7836" class="wp-caption-text">Ponting led Australia in 230 matches and scored 8497 runs at an average of 42.91.(Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Ricky Ponting led Australia from 2002 to 2011. He won the World Cup in 2003 and 2007 as captain of the team. Ponting led Australia in 230 matches and scored 8497 runs at an average of 42.91. He also scored 22 hundreds as well. Ponting stepped down from the captaincy after Australia was defeated in the 2011 World Cup quarter finals by India.
(All stats updated till 27th Feb, 2016)

Top 10 Captains with most runs in ODIs: Captain is the best judges of the situation in an game. Some captains also lead by themselves, creating examples for other players to follow and get inspired from. He is the person everyone looks upto in times of despair and anguish. Great batsmen who have been made Captains, have led from front making more and more runs for their teams inspiring others to do the same.
<h3>Here are 10 such Captains with most runs in ODIs.</h3>
10. Hansie Cronje (SA) &#8211; 4125 
 Mt: 140 Avg: 37.50 

<figure id="attachment_8367" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8367" style="width: 196px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/12/Hansie-Cronje.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-8367 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Hansie-Cronje.jpg" alt="Former South African captain late Hansie Cronje won 11 matches in World Cup as Captain. (Photo Source: Laurence Griffiths / AllSport UK Ltd)" width="196" height="297"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-8367" class="wp-caption-text">Former South African captain late Hansie Cronje made 4125 runs in 140 matches as captain.(Photo Source: Laurence Griffiths / AllSport UK Ltd)</figcaption></figure>
Hansie Cronje became captain in 1994 after retirement of Kepler Wessels and led the team until 2000 when his involvement in match fixing was uncovered and he confessed everything and banned for life.  He made 4125 runs in 140 matches as captain. He led South Africa to semi-finals of the 1999 World Cup and made them a cricketing super power, something they have carried till now, even after his death in 2002. 

9. Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) – 4364 
 Mt: 117 Avg: 38.62
<figure id="attachment_6927" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6927" style="width: 406px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/11/Sanath-Jayasuriya.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-6927 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sanath-Jayasuriya.jpg" alt="most 50 plus scores in ODIs" width="406" height="312" sizes="(max-width: 406px) 100vw, 406px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6927" class="wp-caption-text">Sanath Jayasuriya made 4364 runs in 117 matches as captain.(Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya made 4364 runs in 117 matches as captain. This included 10 centuries and 25 fifties. He captained the side from 2001-2006, with breaks in between. During his tenure, Sri Lanka managed to share the 2002 Champions trophy with India. 
8. Allan Border (Aus) &#8211; 4439 
 Mt: 178 Avg: 32.16
<figure id="attachment_7022" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7022" style="width: 361px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/11/Allan-Border.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-7022" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Allan-Border.jpeg" alt="Allan Border captained 178 matches scoring 4439 runs at an average of 32.16.(Photo Source: Getty Images )" width="361" height="551" sizes="(max-width: 361px) 100vw, 361px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-7022" class="wp-caption-text">Allan Border captained 178 matches scoring 4439 runs at an average of 32.16.(Photo Source: Getty Images )</figcaption></figure>
Allan Border captained Australia till 1994 from 1985. This included the World Cup win in 1987 and he played 178 matches scoring 4439 runs at an average of 32.16. Border inherited a team that was weakened with sudden retirements of Greg Chappell, Dennis Lillee and Rod Marsh and had to rebuild a team with new players like Dean Jones, Steve Waugh, Craig McDermott and Mark Taylor.
<h4>Also Read &#8211; <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/team-wise-most-successful-odi-captains/" target="_blank">Team Wise Most Successful ODI Captains</a> 
7. Sourav Ganguly (Asia/India) &#8211; 5104      
 Mt: 147 Avg: 38.66</h4>
<figure id="attachment_13351" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13351" style="width: 403px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/Sourav-Ganguly-4.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-13351 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sourav-Ganguly-4.jpg" alt="Sourav Ganguly" width="403" height="269" sizes="(max-width: 403px) 100vw, 403px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13351" class="wp-caption-text">Ganguly made 5104 runs leading India in 147 ODI matches at an average of 38.66.(Photo Source: Google)</figcaption></figure>
Indian captain Sourav Ganguly was made captain in 2000 after Sachin Tendulkar turned down captaincy after a disastrous Australian tour of 1999-2000. He inherited a fairly new team consisting of Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra. He made 5104 runs leading India in 147 ODI matches at an average of 38.66. He won the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy, reached the finals of 2003 World Cup and beat Pakistan in Pakistan in test and ODI series in 2004 amongst other achievements. 
6. Mohd. Azharuddin (India) &#8211; 5169                          
 Mt: 174 Avg: 38.86
<figure id="attachment_9741" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9741" style="width: 406px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/01/Mohammad-Azharuddin.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-9741 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mohammad-Azharuddin.jpg" alt="Mohammad Azharuddin is the second most successful captain of India in ODIs. (Photo Source: AFP)" width="406" height="397" sizes="(max-width: 406px) 100vw, 406px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9741" class="wp-caption-text">Mohammad Azharuddin led India in 174 matches and scored 5169 runs at an average of 38.86. (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption></figure>
Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin got the captaincy in 1990 against New Zealand when the previous captain Kris Srikkanth got in a tiff with the selectors over the 1989 Pakistan tour. Azhar led India in 174 matches and scored 5169 runs at an average of 38.86. He was a player’s captain with taking both seniors and juniors along. 
5. Graeme Smith (Afr/SA) &#8211; 5414                              
 Mt: 149 Avg: 39.23 
<figure id="attachment_6716" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6716" style="width: 393px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/02/SAf-Eng.png"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-6716 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/SAf-Eng.png" alt="Graeme Smith won 11 matches in World Cup as Captain. (Photo: Getty Images) " width="393" height="516" sizes="(max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6716" class="wp-caption-text">Graeme Smith led South Africa in 149 matches, scoring 5414 runs with an average of 39.23.(Photo: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Graeme Smith became captain at the age of 22 in 2003 after Shaun Pollock led South Africa was knocked out of the 2003 World Cup. Smith led South Africa till the 2011 World Cup captaining in 149 matches, scoring 5414 runs with an average of 39.23. He scored 8 centuries, led South Africa to semi-finals of the 2007 World Cup and no.1 team ranking in Test cricket. 

4. Arjuna Ranatunga (SL) &#8211; 5608                 
 Mt: 193 Avg: 37.63
<figure id="attachment_12114" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-12114" style="width: 376px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/02/Arjun-Ranatunga.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-12114 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Arjun-Ranatunga.jpg" alt="Arjuna Ranatunga masterminded Sri Lanka’s brilliant and surprising victory in the 1996 World Cup. (Photo Source:Getty Images)" width="376" height="527" sizes="(max-width: 376px) 100vw, 376px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-12114" class="wp-caption-text">Arjuna Ranatunga led Sri Lanka in 193 matches and scored 5608 runs at an average of 37.63 (Photo Source:Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga led Sri Lanka in 193 matches from 1988 to 1999. Ranatunga scored 5608 runs at an average of 37.63 with 4 centuries. Ranatunga transformed a minnow Sri Lanka team to a world champion and world beater. He always had his player’s back as evident from the Muralitharan’s throwing incident in Australia in 1995, when he took his team off the field when umpire called Murali for throwing despite him getting clearance from ICC. 

3. Stephen Fleming (NZ) &#8211; 6295                  
 Mt: 218 Avg: 32.78
<figure id="attachment_6929" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6929" style="width: 380px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/11/Stephen-Fleming.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-6929 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Stephen-Fleming.jpg" alt="Former Kiwi captain Stephen Fleming won 16 matches in World Cup as Captain. (Photo Source: Getty Images)" width="380" height="537" sizes="(max-width: 380px) 100vw, 380px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6929" class="wp-caption-text">Stephen Fleming scored 6295 runs in 218 matches as captain of New Zealand at an average of 32.78 .(Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Stephen Fleming was another young captain, handed the reins in 1997 at the age of 23 years. Fleming led New Zealand to 2000 ICC Knockout trophy win against India. He led the team until his retirement from the game in World Cup 2007 semi-final against Sri Lanka. Fleming scored 6295 runs in 218 matches as captain of New Zealand at an average of 32.78 with 7 hundreds. 

2. MS Dhoni (India) &#8211; 6441                            
 Mt: 191 Avg: 54.58
<figure id="attachment_14866" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-14866" style="width: 399px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/MS-Dhoni-CWC-15.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-14866" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/MS-Dhoni-CWC-15.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni has made 6022 runs at an average of 56.81 in 178 matches as captain.(© Getty Images) " width="399" height="306" sizes="(max-width: 399px) 100vw, 399px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-14866" class="wp-caption-text">MS Dhoni has made 6441 runs at an average of 54.58 in 191 matches as captain. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
MS Dhoni has made 6441 runs at an average of 54.58 in 191 matches as captain. He was asked to lead India in 2007 after his successful World T20 win. He has since led India to one success after another, winning the 2011 World Cup, 2013 ICC champion’s trophy, 2008 tri-series in Australia are some of his achievements.  He recently led India to the semi-finals of the 2015 World Cup, where they lost to Australia.
<h4>Also Read &#8211; <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/top-10-most-successful-odi-captains/" target="_blank">Top 10 most successful ODI captains</a></h4>

1. Ricky Ponting (Aus/ICC) – 8497 
 Mt: 230 Avg: 42.91         
<figure id="attachment_7836" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7836" style="width: 394px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/12/Ricky-Ponting-Punter.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-7836 " src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ricky-Ponting-Punter.jpg" alt="South Africa scored 326/3 with Graeme Smith making 84 and Jacques Kallis (80*) and Jonty Rhodes (71*) adding 135 for the 5th wicket. (Photo Source: Getty Images)" width="394" height="544" sizes="(max-width: 394px) 100vw, 394px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-7836" class="wp-caption-text">Ponting led Australia in 230 matches and scored 8497 runs at an average of 42.91.(Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Ricky Ponting led Australia from 2002 to 2011. He won the World Cup in 2003 and 2007 as captain of the team. Ponting led Australia in 230 matches and scored 8497 runs at an average of 42.91. He also scored 22 hundreds as well. Ponting stepped down from the captaincy after Australia was defeated in the 2011 World Cup quarter finals by India.
(All stats updated till 27th Feb, 2016)

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