A captain is responsible for lifting the overall spirit, confidence and morale of the team. Apart from guiding the team from the front, he needs to set an example in the batting or bowling department. When he is a proper batsman, the team expects him to bolster the batting attack.
Besides that, a captain is responsible for bringing the best out of his players. We have seen captains unlocking the inner potential of the cricketers. Case in point, let’s have a look at the highest batting average in the ICC knockout games by a captain (minimum 200 runs).
1. Sourav Ganguly
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly comes first on the list as he has the highest batting average as a captain in the ICC knockout games. He maintained the top batting average of 107.50, the most by any captain.
2. Mahela Jayawardene
Former Sri Lankan cricketer Mahela Jayawardene was one of the integral parts of Sri Lankan cricket history. He comes second on the list with the second-best batting average of 69.66 in the ICC knockout games as captain.
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3. Arjuna Ranatunga
Former Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga was one of the terrific captains during the playing days of his career. Under his captaincy, Sri Lanka beat Australia in a final to win the ICC ODI World Cup 1996. Meanwhile, he has the third-highest batting average of 67 as captain in the ICC knockout games.
4. Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting has been the most successful captain in the history of international cricket. Under his captaincy, Australia won two ODI World Cups and two ICC Champions trophies. Ponting has the fourth-highest batting average of 56.33 as captain in the ICC knockout games.
5. Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson comes next on the list as he maintained a batting average of 52.28 as captain in the ICC knockout games. The New Zealand international guided the team to a major ICC title glory by beating Team India in the first cycle of the World Test Championship.
6. MS Dhoni
Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni has been the most successful captain of Indian cricket. Under his captaincy, Team India won three different ICC titles (T20 World Cup 2007, ODI World Cup 2011 and Champions Trophy 2013). He maintained a batting average of 36.42 as a captain in the ICC knockout games.
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Highest Average in ICC Knockout matches by Captain
(min. 200 runs)107.50 – Sourav Ganguly
69.66 – M Jayawardene
67.00 – A Ranatunga
56.33 – Ricky Ponting
52.28 – Kane Williamson
36.42 – MS DhoniHappy Birthday #SouravGanguly
— Cricbaba (@thecricbaba) July 8, 2023
Updated as of July 10, 2023*
