Who is the Best Captain in India Cricket History? MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, or Virat Kohli
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Who is the Best Captain in India Cricket History?
Some of the most famous captains in India cricket history have each had a distinct style of leadership. Among the most debated names are MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. Because of Dhoni's ability to win every ICC trophy, his unparalleled leadership contribution to Indian cricket, and his composure under pressure, MS Dhoni stands out as the best captain if one had to choose.
Here are the detailed match statistics for players who have captained the Indian cricket team in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is:
Player | Span | Matches | Won | Lost | Tied | Draw | W/L | %W | %L |
MS Dhoni | 2007-2018 | 332 | 178 | 120 | 6 | 15 | 1.48 | 53.61% | 36.14% |
M Azharuddin | 1990-1999 | 221 | 104 | 90 | 2 | 19 | 1.15 | 47.05% | 40.72% |
V Kohli | 2013-2022 | 213 | 135 | 60 | 3 | 11 | 2.25 | 63.38% | 28.16% |
S Ganguly | 1999-2005 | 196 | 97 | 79 | 0 | 15 | 1.22 | 49.48% | 40.3% |
R Sharma | 2017-2024 | 134 | 95 | 33 | 2 | 3 | 2.87 | 70.89% | 24.62% |
K Dev | 1982-1987 | 108 | 43 | 40 | 1 | 22 | 1.07 | 39.81% | 37.03% |
R Dravid | 2000-2007 | 104 | 50 | 39 | 0 | 11 | 1.28 | 48.07% | 37.5% |
S Tendulkar | 1996-2000 | 98 | 27 | 52 | 1 | 12 | 0.51 | 27.55% | 53.06% |
S Gavaskar | 1976-1985 | 84 | 23 | 29 | 0 | 30 | 0.79 | 27.38% | 34.52% |
A Kumble | 1990-2000 | 14 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1.2 | 42.85% | 35.71% |
N Pataudi | 1962-1975 | 40 | 9 | 19 | 1 | 11 | 0.47 | 22.5% | 47.5% |
G Gambhir | 2009-2010 | 11 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1.5 | 54.54% | 36.36% |
A Wadekar | 1971-1974 | 16 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 1.2 | 37.5% | 31.25% |
Also Check: Top 10 most successful captains in India cricket
MS Dhoni
Having guided the side to three ICC championships—the Champions Trophy (2013), the ODI World Cup (2011), and the T20 World Cup (2007)—known as “Captain Cool,” he revolutionized Indian cricket with his exceptional decision-making.
Virat Kohli
With 40 Test victories, Kohli is India's most successful Test captain. One of the greatest records in Test history was produced by his aggressive style. For a few years, Kohli dominated the ICC Test rankings.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit won five IPL championships and is an excellent leader. He has also won the 2023 Asia Cup. And he is now the captain of India with the highest winning percentage of the team.
Sourav Ganguly
Ganguly revitalized Indian cricket and led India to the 2003 ICC World Cup final and several memorable overseas victories.
Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev’s 1983 World Cup triumph remains one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history. His leadership brought self-belief to Indian cricket.
Mohammad Azharuddin
Azharuddin captained India in 174 matches and brought stability to the team during the 1990s.
Ajit Wadekar
Wadekar led India to it’s first-ever Test series wins overseas, against England and the West Indies in 1971.
Rahul Dravid
Dravid’s tenure saw India achieve a historic Test series win in England in 2007. He emphasized discipline and team-building.
Anil Kumble
Kumble led with integrity, achieving a notable series win against Pakistan and providing stability during a transitional phase.
Nawab Pataudi
Pataudi is remembered for his bold leadership, encouraging the team to play fearless cricket despite limited resources.
Gautam Gambhir
Gambhir led India to the 2010 Asia Cup, exhibiting his exceptional leadership.
How Many Captains Have Led the Indian Cricket Team in ICC Finals?
The Indian team has reached the ICC finals a total of 10 times under different captains. Captains MS Dhoni and Sourav Ganguly both performed well, reaching the final with the most three times.
Player | ICC Tournament Final Played | Year | Outcome |
MS Dhoni | 2007 T20 World Cup Final | 2007 | Won |
2011 World Cup Final | 2011 | Won | |
2013 Champions Trophy Final | 2013 | Won | |
Virat Kohli | 2017 Champions Trophy Final | 2017 | Lost |
2021 WTC Final | 2021 | Lost | |
Sourav Ganguly | 2000 Champions Trophy Final | 2000 | Lost |
2002 Champions Trophy Final | 2002 | Shared with Sri Lanka | |
2003 World Cup Final | 2003 | Lost | |
Kapil Dev | 1983 World Cup Final | 1983 | Won |
Rohit Sharma | 2023 WTC Final | 2023 | TBA (To Be Announced) |
Summary
Even though Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been outstanding captains, MS Dhoni's accomplishments are unmatched. His ability to win key matches, his coolness under pressure, and his aptitude for encouraging his squad make him the best captain in Indian cricket history.
FAQs
Who is the No. 1 captain of India?
MS Dhoni across all formats and ICC tournaments.
Who is the best captain, Virat or Dhoni?
Dhoni edges out Kohli due to his ICC tournament victories and calm leadership style.
Who is the best T20 captain in India?
Rohit Sharma, given his IPL success and T20 leadership consistency.
Who is the best Test captain in India?
Virat Kohli, for leading India to dominance in Test cricket with 40 wins.
Who is the captain of the Indian cricket team with the highest winning percentage?
Currently, Rohit Sharma has the highest win rate of 70.89% among all Indian captains and has led the team to more than 100 games.
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