Top 5 players with most ODI centuries as captain

Captains play an integral role in their team's success. To lead the team from the front a captain must ensure that he performs extraordinarily. Over the years there have been a few captains who have performed wonderfully for their side by making significant contributions for their side.

In the third one-day international between India and South Africa, Virat Kohli scored his 12th ODI hundred to go past one of the greatest Indian captains. The Indian captain carried the team on his shoulders as he powered them to a massive total of 303. On this note, let us take a look at five captains with the most number of centuries as a captain in one-day cricket.

#5 Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)

The Sri-Lankan great Sanath Jayasuriya had a wonderful stint as Sri Lanka's captain. Jayasuriya led from the front scoring tons of runs for his side. The aggressive opener was famous for his quickfire innings. He provided stability to Sri Lanka's top order as other openers could settle with him being at the crease.

The all-rounder played 118 innings as captain in which he accumulated 4377 runs as a captain which included 25 half-centuries and 10 centuries. The opening batsman was also amongst the wickets during his career, which made him a special player for the Sri Lankan side.

#4 Sourav Ganguly (India)

The former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly captained India in plenty of one-day internationals. Ganguly helped the team to gain momentum in world cricket during the 2000s. The flamboyant batsman sacrificed his opening position for Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag.

In 143 innings as captain, Ganguly scored 5104 runs which included 30 half-centuries and 11 centuries. The turning point of his career came when he sacrificed the opening position and settled in the middle order.

The all-rounder failed to impress in the middle order but his aggressive leadership and bowling exploits kept him going.

#3 Virat Kohli (India)

The modern day master Virat Kohli notched up his 34th ODI hundred in the 3rd ODI between India and South Africa. This was his 12th one-day century as the Indian captain.

The 29-year-old took over the reigns from MS Dhoni and has been brilliant since then. Kohli is likely to break this record if he plays for another few years.

In 43 innings as captain, the top order batsman has scored 2628 runs including 10 fifties and 12 centuries. Captaincy has brought the best out of the Indian captain. He has batted with more responsibility as a skipper, and it has benefited his game. Kohli will be keen on breaking this record.

#2 AB De Villiers (South Africa)

South Africa's AB De Villiers held the ODI captaincy for a short time but he made the best use of it as a batsman. Till 2017, he held the record for being the fastest captain to score 10 one-day international centuries. The record was broken by Virat Kohli in the previous year.

In 98 innings as captain AB De Villiers has accumulated 4796 runs including 27 half-centuries and 13 centuries. The aggressive Proteas batsman had the luxury of changing his batting position according to the situation as a skipper.

This helped De Villiers to notch up runs. His fastest ODI hundred came as a skipper when he scored 149 of 44 balls: he promoted himself to number three in that game.

#1 Ricky Ponting (Australia)

There is a reason he is considered the most successful Australian captain ever. Ricky Ponting always led his team from the front with his stupendous knocks across all formats. 'Punter' is famous for leading an unassailable Australian side that holds the longest winning streak in world cup cricket. He led Australia to two world cup victories in 2003 and 2007 respectively.

In 220 innings as captain, he managed to score 8497 runs with 51 half-centuries and 22 centuries. The classical batsman is at the top of the list for his marvellous contribution as a skipper. His aggressive captaincy and fielding helped Australia in many crucial encounters. Ponting has scored the highest number of runs as an ODI captain.