Top Captains of India with Most ODI Losses Revealed

Published: 23 October 2025

Exploring India's ODI Captains

Indian cricket has a rich history, with several legendary captains who have shaped the game. However, even the greatest can have struggles when leading the team. In this article, we take a closer look at the top five captains of India who faced the most defeats in One Day Internationals (ODIs).

5. Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev, known for his iconic World Cup win in 1983, led the Indian team in 74 ODIs, achieving 39 wins and suffering 33 losses. His tenure established India as a formidable force in cricket.

4. Sachin Tendulkar

The legendary Sachin Tendulkar captained India for 73 ODIs but faced 43 losses. The pressure of leadership affected his scoring, adding to the challenges of his captaincy.

3. Sourav Ganguly

Under Sourav Ganguly’s captaincy, India played 146 ODIs, with 65 losses. His aggressive style brought a refreshed approach, laying the groundwork for future successes, especially overseas.

2. MS Dhoni

Even 'Captain Cool' MS Dhoni experienced defeats, leading India in 200 ODIs with 74 losses. His strategic brilliance often led to remarkable victories, overshadowing the inevitable setbacks.

1. Mohammad Azharuddin

Ranking first, Mohammad Azharuddin captained in 174 ODIs, recording 90 wins and 76 losses. His period in the 1990s was a mix of iconic victories and frustrating inconsistencies.

Losses Summary

CaptainMatchesWinsLosses
Kapil Dev743933
Sachin Tendulkar733043
Sourav Ganguly1468165
MS Dhoni20012674
Mohammad Azharuddin1749076

These captains, with their significant losses, still played crucial roles in Indian cricket's evolution. Their legacies are underscored by the lessons learned through each defeat, highlighting that leadership in sport comes with its set of challenges.