The recent trend in ODIs has been rest and rejuvenation. Key players who play multiple formats choose to skip ODIs largely. They have their reason for choosing to prioritize the other two formats owing to the T20 World Cup this year and the WTC. It has resulted in multiple captains leading the side in ODIs.
The narrative is not just restricted to a single nation but predominantly across all teams. But there was a time where ODIs were taken very seriously. It was almost as important as playing a Test. It was herein that we saw captains consistently leading their side in a particular format.
We look at 5 ODI captains who led the side in most consecutive matches:
#5 Alistair Campbell – 76 matches
He took over the captaincy reigns of the ODI side in August 1996. Alistair Campbell led Zimbabwe for 3 years. His tenure came to an end in October 1999. Campbell led the side admirably. Zimbabwe shocked most teams in their wonderful run in the 1999 World Cup. Many players flourished under Campbell.
The Flower brothers came into their own during this phase. Murray Goodwin established himself as one of the fine middle-order batsmen of the era. Neil Johnson came to be known as an excellent allrounder. Campbell deserves a lot of credit for the side’s success during his leadership days. He led the side for 76 ODIs without catching a break.
#4 Mahela Jayawardene – 85 matches
He is touted to be a master tactician. Mahela Jayawardene was one of the finest leaders in the game. He took over the captaincy from Marvan Atapattu of the ODI side in March 2006. Mahela led the side for a period of 3 years. He took the Lankan team to the finals of the ODI World Cup in 2007. Mahela led Lanka for 85 consecutive ODIs.
#3 Shaun Pollock – 89 matches
He remains one of the finest bowling all-rounders to have ever led a side. Shaun Pollock became the South African captain when the nation’s credibility was at stake. Pollock soon transformed not just the perception but also South Africa’s tenacity. He had a largely successful captaincy stint. The only glaring downside being the World Cup guffaw of 2003 that cost South Africa a spot in the knockouts. Pollock led the ODI side in consecutive 89 games.
#2 Mohammad Azharuddin – 98 matches
He largely remains one of the most misunderstood Indian captains. Mohammad Azharuddin is a polarising figure in Indian cricket. He is the only Indian captain to have led the side in three ODI World Cups. Azhar led-India was almost unbeatable at home. He led the side in ODIs for 98 consecutive games. Azhar’s captaincy tenure dated from December 1991 to May 1996.
#1 Hansie Cronje – 130 matches
It wouldn’t be unfair to say that, he was one leader who brought repute and disgrace to the game in equal measure. Hansie Cronje was a master innovator. His partnership with Bob Woolmer, the coach was legendary.
Cronje was a highly respected leader until it all came apart for him. He led South Africa in 130 consecutive ODIs from December 1994 to March 2000. It remains an ODI record even now (22 years since). The way the ODI format is shaping up, this record in all certainties will remain unbroken!
