Cricket World Cup History - Captains with 'Highest Win Percentage'

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 began on Thursday, 30th May with England registering a thumping win against South Africa. Despite the loss, the captain's move of the day was highlighted by Faf Du Plessis, who brought Imran Tahir to neutralise Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow in the first over of the game. While South Africa were far from being competitive in the batting department, the bowling changes from the Proteas captain garnered praise from the critics.

On that note, let us have a look at the 6 captains who boast the highest win percentage in the Cricket World Cup history.

Note: This is a mere statistical analysis and does not reflect the quality of the players involved.

#6 Sourav Ganguly (India)

Sourav Ganguly during the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup

World Cup Captaincy Record (2003)

Matches - 11, Won - 9, Lost - 2

Win Percentage - 81.81%

Result - World Cup Finalist

Sourav Ganguly is as one of the most successful captains of India. He was the captain of India during the 2003 World Cup held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya. Under his inspirational leadership, India reached the finals of the World Cup.

India went into the tournament on the back of some poor performances on their previous tour to New Zealand. Not many had expected the Indian cricket team to do well at the World Cup. However India defied all odds and ended up as runners-up, losing in the finals to Australia. India managed to win 8 consecutive matches in the World Cup and only Australia got better of them on both the occasions including the finals.

India's charismatic captain Sourav Ganguly led from the front scoring 465 runs with 3 centuries with an impressive average of 58.12. He was the second highest run scorer in the tournament after Sachin Tendulkar.

#5 Mahendra Singh Dhoni (India)

MS Dhoni with the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy

World Cup Captaincy Record (2011 and 2015)

Matches - 17, Won - 14, Loss - 2, Tied - 1

Win Percentage - 85.29%

Result - World Champions (2011), Semi Finalists (2015)

The Captain Cool - Mahendra Singh Dhoni ranks among the best captains of India. He was the captain of Indian Cricket Team in the 2011 and 2015 World Cups respectively. Dhoni having already lead India to the inaugural World T20 title in 2007, had already shown plenty of promise to become one of India's most successful captains.

The 2011 World Cup was held in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. There were high expectations on India to lift the trophy after 28 years. It was Sachin Tendulkar's last chance to get the World Cup glory and India definitely did not disappoint. Captain Cool MS Dhoni lead India magnificently in the World Cup and his match winning 91 not out in the finals against Sri Lanka at a crucial situation earned him the Man of the Match award in the World Cup Finals.

MS Dhoni during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup

India went into the 2015 World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand as defending champions. India won 7 consecutive matches from the start, but unfortunately lost to Australia in the semifinals.

#4 Michael Clarke (Australia)

Michael Clarke with the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy

World Cup Captaincy Record (2015)

Matches - 7, Won - 6, Loss - 1

Win Percentage - 85.71%

Result - World Champions

Michael Clarke is rated quite highly as a leader in the Australian cricket team. The 2015 Edition of the World Cup was held in Australia and New Zealand. Already having won 4 World Cups previously, Australia were the firm favourites to win the title.

Australian Captain Michael Clarke was recovering from hamstring surgery and was in doubt of participation before the tournament began. Having missed the first match against England, skipper Michael Clarke led Australia to their historic 5th World Cup title. Australia also became the second nation after India to win a World Cup on home soil.

#3 Clive Lloyd (West Indies)

Clive Lloyd with the World Cup Trophy

World Cup Captaincy Record (1975, 1979 and 1983)

Matches - 17, Won - 15, Loss - 2

Win Percentage - 88.23%

Result - World Champions (1975 and 1979), Finalists (1983)

Clive Hubert Lloyd is unarguably one of the greatest captains in world cricket. The 1975 edition of the Cricket World Cup was the inaugural edition held in England. Clive Lloyd's West Indies went undefeated in the tournament and took on Australia in the finals. The West Indian captain Clive Lloyd scored a fantastic 102 of 85 balls which helped West Indies beat Australia by 17 runs and clinch the inaugural World Cup Trophy.

Clive Lloyd lead West Indies in the 1979 World Cup in England as well. The West Indies defeated England in the finals at Lords courtesy a brilliant 138 from Vivian Richards and clinched their 2nd World Cup Trophy. The Clive Lloyd's West Indies proved to be a dominant force in World Cricket once again and fell just short in the 1983 World Cup Finals against India at Lords.

#2 Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)

Clarke and McCullum with the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy before the Final

World Cup Captaincy Record (2015)

Matches - 9, Won - 8, Loss - 1

Win Percentage - 88.88%

Result - World Cup Finalists (2015)

Brendon McCullum is greatly admired for his aggressive captaincy. The 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup was held in Australia and New Zealand. Previously the Black Caps have reached the semifinals stage of the tournament six times, but never reached the finals.

New Zealand were considered as the dark horses at the ICC tournaments. The 2015 Cricket World Cup was their best chance to claim the World Cup glory.

Lead by Brendon McCullum in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, New Zealand went undefeated in the tournament and reached the finals of the World Cup for the first time in their history. However, they failed to cross the final hurdle and lost to Australia in the Finals.

#1 Ricky Ponting (Australia)

Ricky Ponting with the World Cups - 2003 and 2007

World Cup Captaincy Record (2003, 2007 and 2011)

Matches - 29, Won - 26, Loss - 2, NR - 1

Win Percentage - 92.85%

Result - World Champions (2003 and 2007), Quarter Finalists (2011)

Ricky Ponting is often regarded as the most successful cricket captain in the World. Under his leadership, Australia were considered as the most dominant side in World Cricket.

Ponting was the 3rd highest run-getter scoring 415 runs at an average of 51.87 in the 2003 World Cup. He scored a brilliant 140 not out in the finals against India to win the World Cup for Australia. Ponting was adjudged as the Man of the Match in the 2003 World Cup Finals for his magnificent effort.

Again in the 2007 World Cup, Ponting led from the front amassing 539 runs at an average of 67.37 and helped Australia clinch 3 World Cups in a row! Australia are the only side to achieve this feat. Also, Australia remained undefeated throughout the 2003 and 2007 World Cup campaigns under Ricky Ponting's leadership.

Ricky Ponting once again led Australia in the 2011 World Cup. They lost in the Quarter Finals against India, who were ultimately the champions in the tournament.

Ricky Ponting remains the most successful captain in World Cup history!