In today’s article, we will compare the performance of the Indian Test Team and analyze how different captains managed. We will only focus on the captains who led the team in the maximum number of Test matches throughout their careers.
Virat Kohli (2014-2022) (Matches 68, Won 40, and Lost 17)
Starting with Virat Kohli, he is the youngest and most prolific captain in the history of the Indian Test cricket team, surpassing Azhar and Ganguly.
Kohli took over as Test captain in 2014 and has led the team in 64 matches, winning 40, losing 17, and drawing 11. Kohli is one of India’s most successful Test captains, known for his passionate leadership and humorous on-field antics. He has scored 8416 runs in 183 Test innings, including 28 centuries, 28 fifties, 941 fours, and 24 sixes.
MS Dhoni (2008-2014) (Matches 60, Won 27, and Lost 18)
MS Dhoni, also known as Mahi, captained the Indian Test team from 2008 to 2014, leading the team for six years. During his tenure, India played 60 Test matches, winning 27, losing 18, and drawing 15. Dhoni’s leadership took India to the number-one spot in the Test rankings for the first time in 2009.
In his Test career, Dhoni scored 4876 runs in 144 innings, with six centuries, 33 fifties, 544 fours, and 78 sixes. He is revered for his composed demeanor and successful captaincy, making him one of India’s most accomplished Test captains.
Sourav Ganguly (2000-2005) (Matches 49, Won 21, and Lost 13)
In 2000, Ganguly became the captain of the Indian cricket team, leading the squad for five years. During his tenure, India played 49 Test matches, winning 21, losing 13, and drawing 15.
Ganguly’s Test career featured 7212 runs in 188 innings, including sixteen centuries, 35 fifties, 900 fours, and 57 sixes.
He was affectionately referred to as the “Maharaja of Indian Cricket” and “Dada” by his teammates, as he was a leading batsman and a respected captain.
M Azharuddin (1990-1999) (Matches 47, Won 14, and Lost 14)
Azharuddin, an outstanding middle-order batsman, was also one of India’s most accomplished Test captains. In his Test career, he scored 6215 runs in 147 innings, with 22 centuries and 21 half-centuries, averaging 45.03 and hitting 16 sixes.
