Rohit Sharma, one of the most composed and tactically sharp leaders in modern Indian cricket, has announced his retirement from Test cricket. In his brief but impactful stint as captain, Rohit left an indelible mark on India’s red-ball journey, leading the team with poise and strategic clarity.
Over the years, India have been blessed with a rich lineage of successful Test captains. But only a few have managed to convert their leadership into consistent match wins. When considering those who captained India in a minimum of 20 Test matches, these five stand tall with the highest winning percentages.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 Indian Test captains based on their win ratio:
5) Rahul Dravid – (2003–2007)
Widely respected as one of India’s greatest batters, Rahul Dravid also quietly contributed as a dependable Test captain. Under his leadership, India played 25 Tests, winning 8, losing 6, and drawing 11. While Dravid’s tenure was not marked by flamboyance, his calm and methodical approach helped India achieve notable overseas success. His winning percentage of 32 reflects a balanced era in Indian Test cricket.
4) Sourav Ganguly – (2000–2005)
The man who redefined Indian cricket’s attitude, Sourav Ganguly took over the reins at a time when Indian cricket was in transition. He instilled aggression, backed youngsters, and laid the foundation for future success. In 49 Tests, India won 21, lost 13, and drew 15 under his command. Ganguly’s winning percentage of 42.85 highlights his transformational impact on the team and his role in building a competitive unit at home and abroad.
3) MS Dhoni – (2008–2014)
Arguably India’s coolest customer on the field, MS Dhoni brought a sense of calm and strategy to the longest format. As captain in 60 Tests, Dhoni led India to 27 victories, faced 18 defeats, and drew 15 matches. His leadership style, marked by unflinching composure and smart field placements, yielded a winning percentage of 45. Dhoni’s legacy includes not just victories but the evolution of Indian Test cricket during his reign.
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2) Rohit Sharma – (2022–2024)
Though his tenure was brief, Rohit Sharma left a lasting impression with his impressive captaincy record. Leading India in 24 Tests, Rohit secured 12 wins, suffered 9 losses, and drew 3 matches. Under his leadership, India remained formidable at home and resilient abroad. With a winning percentage of 50, Rohit stands out for maintaining high standards in a competitive era and taking the team to the World Test Championship final in 2023.
1) Virat Kohli – (2014–2022)
At the summit sits Virat Kohli, the most successful Indian Test captain ever. Leading with unmatched intensity and an unyielding will to win, Kohli transformed India into a ruthless Test side, especially overseas. He captained India in 68 Tests, winning 40, losing 17, and drawing 11. His winning percentage of 58.82 ranks among the best globally, alongside legends like Ricky Ponting and Graeme Smith. Kohli’s reign will be remembered for his passion, fitness culture, and unwavering focus on excellence.
As India moves forward into a new era, particularly with a challenging tour of England beginning June 20 in Leeds, the team will look to carry forward the legacy of these giants.
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