India’s cricketing history is adorned with remarkable achievements, with the Indian team clinching a total of 7 ICC (International Cricket Council) trophies across various formats. The nation has witnessed different captains lead the team to glory in prestigious tournaments such as the ICC Cricket World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy, and ICC T20 World Cup. Four of these iconic captains—Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Kapil Dev, and Sourav Ganguly—have led India to victory at the global stage, making their marks in the annals of cricketing history. As cricket fans eagerly reflect on the records and milestones, it’s fascinating to delve into which captain has won what out of India’s 7 ICC titles.
1. Kapil Dev: The 1983 ICC Cricket World Cup Champion
Kapil Dev, the legendary all-rounder, was the captain who led India to its first-ever ICC Cricket World Cup victory in 1983. This win is one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history. The underdog Indian team, led by Kapil Dev, shocked the cricketing world by defeating the mighty West Indies in the final at Lord’s.
Kapil’s leadership was instrumental in inspiring his team to believe in their potential. Despite facing challenges throughout the tournament, his calm demeanor, tactical acumen, and fighting spirit guided India to a historic win. Kapil’s unforgettable innings of 175 against Zimbabwe in the group stage was one of the standout performances of the tournament, and it is remembered as one of the most crucial knocks in India’s cricketing history.
ICC Title:
- 1983 ICC Cricket World Cup
2. Sourav Ganguly: The 2002 ICC Champions Trophy and 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup Finalist
Sourav Ganguly, known for his aggressive captaincy and fearless approach, played a pivotal role in India’s cricketing resurgence in the early 2000s. Under his leadership, India became a force to be reckoned with in world cricket. Ganguly’s biggest achievement came when he led India to the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy victory, a landmark triumph in Indian cricket.
In the final against the mighty West Indies, India showcased their all-round skills, defeating them comprehensively to lift the trophy. This victory not only marked India’s first ICC Champions Trophy win but also symbolized Ganguly’s success in rebuilding the team after the 2000 match-fixing scandal.
Although Ganguly did not win the ICC Cricket World Cup during his tenure as captain, he led India to the 2003 World Cup final, where they were defeated by Australia. However, his leadership, which focused on instilling confidence in the team and encouraging aggressive play, set the stage for India’s future successes in international cricket.
ICC Titles:
- 2002 ICC Champions Trophy
Notable Final:
- 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup Final (Runner-Up)
3. MS Dhoni: The Architect of India’s ICC Trophies
MS Dhoni, known as one of the most successful captains in cricketing history, led India to a remarkable three ICC titles across various formats. His calm, composed leadership style and exceptional decision-making on the field made him an unparalleled figure in Indian cricket.
- 2007 ICC T20 World Cup: MS Dhoni’s leadership in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 was the start of his legacy. The tournament was held in South Africa, and Dhoni’s decision to give young players like Joginder Sharma the responsibility of delivering key overs in the final was a testament to his belief in his team. India defeated Pakistan in the final, and the victory in this tournament marked a new era in Indian cricket, where India established itself as a global force in limited-overs cricket.
- 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup: Under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, India won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011 after 28 long years. The final, played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, saw Dhoni guide India to victory with an iconic match-winning knock of 91* against Sri Lanka. This was a moment that became etched in every Indian’s memory, as Dhoni’s calm and tactical brilliance ensured India’s triumph on home soil.
- 2013 ICC Champions Trophy: Dhoni made history by leading India to victory in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, the last edition of the tournament before it was discontinued. India defeated England in the final, and Dhoni’s ability to adapt to various formats and keep his team motivated paid off once again, solidifying his status as one of the greatest captains of all time.
ICC Titles:
4. Rohit Sharma: The Master of ICC Limited-Overs Titles
Rohit Sharma, one of the most prolific limited-overs batsmen of his generation, has quickly cemented his reputation as one of the finest captains in recent times. Under his leadership, India has dominated ICC events in the shorter formats, particularly in the ICC Champions Trophy and ICC T20 World Cup.
- 2018 ICC Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma led India to a dominant victory in the 2018 ICC Champions Trophy in England. His leadership during the tournament was exemplary, with India dominating the competition. Rohit also shone with the bat, finishing as one of the highest run-scorers of the tournament, and played a crucial role in guiding India to the final, where they defeated Pakistan with a comprehensive performance.
- 2025 ICC Champions Trophy: Rohit’s most recent triumph came in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where India defeated England in the final. His calm leadership, combined with his ability to steer the team through tough situations, helped India secure their second ICC Champions Trophy title under his captaincy.
Rohit Sharma’s record in ICC tournaments has been impressive, and with his leadership qualities and strong batting prowess, he has positioned himself as a future captaincy legend for India.
ICC Titles:
Summary of India’s ICC Titles and Captains
- 1983 ICC Cricket World Cup: Kapil Dev
- 2002 ICC Champions Trophy: Sourav Ganguly
- 2007 ICC T20 World Cup: MS Dhoni
- 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup: MS Dhoni
- 2013 ICC Champions Trophy: MS Dhoni
- 2018 ICC Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma
- 2025 ICC Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma
The Legacy of India’s ICC Winning Captains
The achievements of these four legendary captains—Kapil Dev, Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma—reflect the evolution of Indian cricket over the decades. Each of them brought their unique leadership style to the table, and each of their contributions has been critical in India’s rise as a cricketing powerhouse.
- Kapil Dev laid the foundation for India’s cricket success by leading the team to the first-ever World Cup win in 1983.
- Sourav Ganguly transformed Indian cricket, bringing in an aggressive mindset and leading the team to the Champions Trophy victory in 2002.
- MS Dhoni will always be remembered for his cool-headed approach and his ability to lead India to victory in three ICC events: the T20 World Cup, the World Cup, and the Champions Trophy.
- Rohit Sharma, with his impressive record as a leader in ICC Champions Trophy events, has proven to be a natural successor in the modern era.
Each captain’s achievements are a testament to the rich history of Indian cricket, and their contributions will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. The 7 ICC titles stand as a monument to their leadership and the remarkable journey of Indian cricket on the global stage.
