Cricket in India is not just a game; it is a passion that unites the entire country. From small lanes and streets to big stadiums, cricket holds a special place in the heart of every Indian. Almost every young boy dreams of playing for India. Even if they don’t get the chance, many contribute by cheering and supporting their favourite players.
Over the years, India has produced many cricketing legends who are admired by fans of all ages. These players have earned respect not just for their talent, but also for their leadership, attitude and consistency on the field. Be it Test matches, ODIs or T20s, they have left a mark on cricketing history.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the most successful cricket captains of India. We will consider their win percentage, trophies and their impact on team spirit and culture. Here is a list that brings all these aspects together.
10 Most Successful Indian Cricket Captains
1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MS Dhoni)
Known as “Captain Cool”, MS Dhoni is one of India’s most celebrated cricket captains. He led the national team from 2007 to 2018, achieving considerable success in limited-overs cricket. Dhoni was not only a captain but also a world-class wicketkeeper and a reliable lower-order batsman who could change the game in a few overs. In the Indian Premier League, he led Chennai Super Kings to several titles. Dhoni holds the record for the most ODI wins by an Indian captain, with 110 wins in 200 matches. He is also the only captain in the world to have won all three major ICC limited-overs tournaments:
- 2007 ICC T20 World Cup
- 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup
- 2013 ICC Champions Trophy
2. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is considered one of India’s best Test captains, second only to Dhoni. He holds the record for the most Test wins for India, with 40 wins in 68 matches. Known for his aggression, fitness and never-give-up attitude, Kohli has led India to historic Test victories abroad, including series wins in Australia (2018-19 and 2020-21) and memorable victories in England and South Africa. His Test win percentage of 58.82% is the highest for any Indian captain. Under his leadership, India also reached the final of the first ICC World Test Championship in 2021, while also performing strongly in ODIs.
3. Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly took charge of the Indian team during a crucial period and is credited with building a confident and aggressive team. He has helped India perform better abroad, including the famous Test series win in Pakistan. Ganguly led India to a memorable victory over England in the 2002 NatWest Series final. In Test cricket, he won 21 matches as captain. His bold and fearless approach also helped India reach the 2003 World Cup final. Ganguly’s leadership is remembered for inspiring a fighting spirit and bringing the Indian team back to the top level in the world.
4. Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev created history by leading India to their first World Cup victory in 1983. He was not just a specialist in one field but a true all-rounder, contributing with both bat and ball. He had a strong record in ODIs, winning 39 out of 74 matches. However, his unforgettable innings of 175* against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup is one of the best ODI performances ever. Kapil also challenged the idea that India relied solely on spinners, and proved that fast bowlers could also make a difference. Overall, he created a legacy by giving India its first major international trophy, which became a true symbol of Indian cricket.
5. Rohit Sharma
Looking at the current records, Rohit Sharma has emerged as one of India’s most successful captains in T20 cricket. By winning the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, he fulfilled a long-held dream for the country. He has a high win rate across all formats, especially in T20Is. Rohit is known for his calm and smart leadership, often making unconventional decisions that work. He currently leads India in T20Is, ODIs and Tests. Apart from international cricket, he has also led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles and guided India to multiple Asia Cup victories, making him one of the most successful captains in recent times.
6. Mohammad Azharuddin
Mohammad Azharuddin led India in both Tests and ODIs during the 1990s, winning 90 out of 174 ODIs. He was a stylish and aggressive batsman, and under his guidance, players like Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly became stars. Azharuddin was known for inspiring his team and bringing out the best in his players. During the 1990s, he played a key role in shaping the Indian cricket leadership and set the stage for future successful captains.
7. Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid, like MS Dhoni, was a calm and thoughtful leader. His captaincy helped India achieve 17 consecutive wins while chasing in ODIs. He led India to their first Test series win in over 35 years in the West Indies and a series win in England. Dravid focused on teamwork, discipline and building a strong team spirit. His time as captain was short, but he achieved many important achievements and was respected for leading with integrity while laying the foundation for future successes.
8. Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar led India from 1976 to 1985, a time when Indian cricket was undergoing a transformation. As captain, he won 9 out of 47 Test matches, which was remarkable for that era. Gavaskar was one of the best batsmen in the world and led by example with his skill and patience. He was praised for his honesty and fairness as a captain and is considered to be the pioneer of Indian batting. His leadership helped the team through a critical period and left a lasting impact on Indian cricket.
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