The Indian cricket team in modern times is often referred to as the greatest force in world cricket in recent times across all three formats. Some of the most remarkable players from the Indian team have led them occasionally to historic triumphs, thus reforming the base of the Indian team.
India’s first-ever test captain was Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu in 1932, to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in recent times in 2024. Each of these captains brought unique strengths and left an indelible mark in Indian Test cricket.
From fitter players to reforming the guidelines for red-ball cricket, the rich legacy of Indian cricket has been shaped by these captains from time to time.
Here’s a list of India’s top three captains in test cricket history:
1. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, one of the greatest batters of modern cricket, is considered one of India’s most transformative skippers who turned fortunes for India in the longest format of the game. He is considered one of the most aggressive captains India has ever witnessed, while he played an anchoring role to build a formidable pace attack. One of the most unique skillsets of Kohli was winning the maiden test series in the Aussie island.
From 2014 to 2022, the batter led the Indian side in 68 matches, winning 40 out of them. Kohli’s aggressive and passionate leadership took India’s Test cricket to unprecedented heights. As per the records, Virat Kohli is the most successful Indian Test captain in history.
2. MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni is often considered one of the most composed captains in world cricket, often referred to as ‘Captain Cool. Dhoni led India to numerous triumphs, including No. 1 in the ICC Test rankings for the first time in 2009. Beyond his leadership, he was also a sensational batter and gloveman for India.
From 2008 to 2014, the wicketkeeper won 27 matches out of the 60 in which he led the Indian side. Dhoni’s leadership laid the foundation for India’s dominance across formats.
3. Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly, fondly known as “Dada,” is regarded as one of the first captains in Indian cricket history who played the most influential hand in reshaping the history of Indian cricket.
His leadership was instrumental in achieving landmark victories, including the 2002 Natwest Trophy win and a drawn Test series in Australia in 2003-04. Having led India on 49 occasions during his stint between 2000 and 2005, Ganguly, in an attempt to reshape the Indian test side, went on to win 21 games with them and hence instilled hope among Indian fans.
