From Virat Kohli, the captain with highest test wins, to Rohit Sharma, who carried the successful legacy till his retirement, discover the most successful Test captains from India.
The journey of successful Indian captains have been remarkable over the years. The nation has got exceptional leaders who shaped the landscape of Test cricket for India.
It is now time to look back at those victories brought to us by the Indian team under such efficient captains. Here are the most successful Test captains from India.
1. Virat Kohli (40 wins)
Virat Kohli during his Test captaincy for the Indian team in 2021. Image | Instagram
Virat Kohli is considered to be the most successful Test captain India could ever get! He had a stellar career as a captain from 2014 to 2022. Under his captaincy, India became aggressively dominant in home and held a streak of never losing or drawing a single home series.
Kohli secured 40 wins out of 68 tests, which is the highest as an Indian captain. He also holds the record for most double centuries by an Indian in Test cricket, with a total of 7 double centuries.
India has had several quality test batters, but there is no other captain who could match King Kohli's legacy.
MS Dhoni during his captaincy for the Indian cricket team. Image | ESPNcricinfo
MS Dhoni served as a Test captain for six years for India, and had a stellar career. He holds the record for most number of sixes by an Indian captain, which is 51 in number.
Under Dhoni's captaincy, India won 27 tests out of 60, having a win percentage of 45%.
Dhoni's test stats as captain:
Span
Matches
Won
Lost
Draw
Runs
100
W/L
W%
%L
2008-2014
60
27
18
15
3,454
5
1.50
45.00
30.00
3. Sourav Ganguly (21 wins)
Sourav Ganguly during his captaincy for the Indian team. Image | NDTV
Sourav Ganguly, who is widely known for his contributions as a player and captain for the Indian team, is a prominent name in this list of most successful Test captains from India.
Dada was the Indian test captain from 2000-2005 and won 21 testsout of 49 played. He also holds the 2nd position for record most wins as a test captain overseas, winning 11 out of 28 matches.
Mohammad Azharuddin during his captaincy tenure for India. Image | Facebook
Mohammad Azharuddin is another big name to be mentioned when it comes to Test cricket captaincy for India. He served as a captain for 9 years, winning 14 matches out of 47.
Azharuddin mostly enjoyed dominating in home soil and sealing crucial victories for the team.
Mohammad Azharuddin's test stats as captain:
Span
Matches
Won
Lost
Draw
Runs
100
W/L
W%
%L
1990-1999
47
14
14
19
2,856
9
1.00
29.78
29.78
5. Rohit Sharma (12 wins)
Rohit Sharma during his test captaincy for the Indian team. Image | India Today
Rohit Sharma is another name for one of the most successful Test captains from India who led to 10+ victories for the team. He is the 5th captain to do so. He was also one of the most impactful opener for India in tests.
Even though Rohit's captaincy tenure was short-lived, as he decided to retire from test format on 7th May, 2025, he still managed to be on top with 12 wins in 24 matches.
Most wickets vs England in England for India in tests
Ishant Sharma has taken the most wickets vs England in England for India in tests. Kapil Dev, Jasprit Bumrah and a few other Indian legends follow him on the list.
Indian bowlers, especially pacers, have always waited for the tour of England since it produces seam-friendly pitches, which help them get more wickets. From legends of yesteryears like Kapil to modern-day greats like Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, they have had success in England against England.
With another England tour forthcoming, we present you the list of bowlers with the most wickets vs England in England for India in tests.
1. Ishant Sharma | 48 Wickets
Ishant Sharma during his 5-wicket haul against England in 2018. Image | Cricshots
Ishant Sharma has the most wickets vs England in England for India in tests. He is widely known for his pace and wicket-taking abilities. He took 48 wickets in 14 matches, with an economy of 3.29.
Ishant's ability to make the ball come in from a difficult length has worked well on English conditions. Moreover, his short-ball strategy during the 2014 series at Lord's helped India register a famous win in England.
Kapil Dev in action against England in a test match. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The Indian legend, Kapil Dev, is the second-highest wicket-taker in the list with 43 wickets in 13 matches played. The former Indian captain has an exceptional record against England and dominated on their home soil throughout his career.
Kapil's incredible outswing always had the batters guessing and with his ability to clean up tails, also helped him get many wickets in those conditions.
Dev stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
1979-1990
13
22
43
129
563.1
2.99
39.18
5/125
8/168
3. Jasprit Bumrah | 37 Wickets
Jasprit Bumrah celebrating a wicket in a test match vs ENG in 2021. Image | ESPNcricinfo
One of the most successful bowlers of this era, Jasprit Bumrah, climbed up the ladder really fast in his career. His finest skillset and ability to generate steep bounce and challenging seam movement with his unorthodox bowling action, got him 37 wickets in just 8 matches (15 innings) so far, and there's more to come in the future.
Anil Kumble celebrating a successful dismissal during his test career for India. Image | YouTube
Anil Kumble holds the fourth place for most wickets vs England in England for India in tests. He took 36 wickets in 10 matches, which is commendable for a spinner in such conditions.
Kumble was the senior-most bowler of the squad during that time, and was often described as bowling "faster" for a spinner, that too with high accuracy. His spin deliveries was considered to be as fast as a "jumbo jet."
Kumble's stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
1990-2007
10
19
36
113
524.5
2.84
41.41
4/66
7/159
5. Bishan Singh Bedi | 35 Wickets
Bishan Singh Bedi in action for India during his test career. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Bishan Singh Bedi is the one name that stands out while discussing the wicket-taking rate against England. Bedi's incredible stat as a spinner in pace bowling friendly conditions like England sets him apart from the rest.
He took 35 wickets in 12 matches (18 innings), with an economy less than 3. Bedi also has the highest number of maidens among all the players in this list.
Singh Bedi stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
1967-1979
12
18
35
133
524.5
2.54
38.08
6/226
6/111
6. Mohammed Shami | 34 Wickets
Mohammed Shami playing against England in a test match in 2022. Image | Instagram
Mohammad Shami has a brilliant overseas record, and only a few Indian bowlers can be at the level with him. He has 34 wickets in 12 matches to his name, with an economy of 3.56.
Shami consistently hits challenging lengths, which makes him a wicket-taker against England batters. His unfortunate absence in the upcoming Test squad against England therefore became a point of concern for the fans.
Shami's status vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
2014-2022
12
21
34
65
402.3
3.56
42.14
4/57
6/108
7. B. S. Chandrasekhar | 31 Wickets
B.S. Chandrashekhar in action for India during his test career. Image | Heritage Times
The wizard of leg spin, B.S. Chandrashekhar, makes his way up here with 31 wickets in 9 matches against England on their home soil. He had a phenomenal bowling figure in a match with 8 wickets (conceding 114 runs).
His most cherished performance against England came in the 1971 Oval Test, where he took 6 wickets for 38 runs, leading India to secure their first series victory on the English soil.
Zaheer Khan celebrating a successful dismissal in a match against England in 2011. Image | Firstpost
One of India's most celebrated pace bowlers, Zaheer Khan, holds the eighth position with 31 wickets in only 8 away matches vs England. The former left-arm pacer was one of the best for India during his era.
Zaheer had made legends like Alastair Cook his bunny with his lethal outswingers, going away from Cook. He was the best of his time, who significantly enhanced India's bowling strength.
Khan's stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
2002-2011
8
14
31
81
296.5
2.92
27.96
5/75
9/134
9. Ravindra Jadeja | 22 Wickets
Ravindra Jadeja in action for India in a test match against England. Image | Instagram
Ravindra Jadeja, who is one of India's key all-rounders, holds the ninth position with 22 wickets in 10 matches. He is equally good with the bat as he is with spinning the ball for his nation.
Jadeja's ability to bowl long spells with variations, makes him a vital asset for the Indian team.
Vinoo Mankad in action for India during his test career. Image | Cricket Times
Vinoo Mankad stands out from an early era. The former all-rounder truly made his mark on England soil by taking 20 wickets in just 6 matches.
With his tight bowling and impeccable lengths, Mankad made the most out of the English conditions and proved why he was considered one of the best of his generation.
Most runs vs England in England for India in tests
Conquering English conditions is tough, but some Indian batsmen have mastered them. Find out the ones with most runs vs England in England for India in tests.
For any touring cricket team, England presents an unique challenge in Test cricket. It's a land where even most skilled players can struggle.
Far away from home, Indian cricketers have sincerely accepted this challenge and given a tough fight for many years. Discover which batting legends have mastered the game and scored the most runs vs England in England for India in tests.
1. Sachin Tendulkar | 1575 Runs
17-year-old Sachin Tendulkar after scoring his international maiden century against England in 1990. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The 'Master Blaster' Sachin Tendulkar holds the unmatched record for most runs vs England in England for India in tests. He scored 1575 runs in 17 matches (30 innings) with an average above 54.
Tendulkar dominated the English soil with 4 hundreds and 8 fifties in his test career.
Rahul Dravid celebrating his century against England at The Oval in 2011. Image | Instagram
Rahul Dravid is another big name when it comes to legendary test batsmen from India. He holds impressive record against England which is hard to match in the long run for young Indian batters of the coming age.
Dravid scored 1376 runs in 13 matches, with his highest being a phenomenal 217 runs during India tour of England in 2002.
Dravid stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
Highest
Avg
100
50
1996-2011
13
23
1376
217
68.80
6
4
3. Sunil Gavaskar | 1152 Runs
Sunil Gavaskar during his knock of 221 runs against England at The Oval in 1979. Image | Facebook
Sunil Gavaskar is the third Indian batter to cross the 1000-run mark against England in England. The 'Little Master' scored 1152 runs in 16 matches during his Test career.
He scored 221 runs in 1979, which is the highest score ever by an Indian batsman against England in their own soil.
Gavaskar stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
Highest
Avg
100
50
1971-1986
16
28
1152
221
41.14
2
8
4. Virat Kohli | 976 Runs
Virat Kohli celebrates his heroic century against England in 2018. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Here comes the most successful Test captain of India, Virat Kohli, securing the fourth position in this list. He surpassed many legendary test batters with his brilliant record against England in their home soil.
Kohli scored 976 runs in 15 matches, with 2 centuries and 5 fifties to his name. The numbers could soar higher if he had not retired from tests at the age of 36, in 2025.
Dilip Vengsarkar in action against England at Lord's cricket ground in 1986. Image | Instagram
Dilip Vengsarkar is a gem of a player in the history of Indian Test cricket. He scored 960 runs in 13 matches (23 innings), with 157 being his highest score.
Vengsarkar scored 4 hundreds and 4 fifties during his tenure.
Vengsarkar stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
Highest
Avg
100
50
1979-1990
13
23
960
157
48.00
4
4
6. Sourav Ganguly | 915 Runs
Sourav Ganguly celebrating his debut test ton against England in 1996. Image | TOI
Another successful captain in the history of Indian Test cricket, Sourav Ganguly, makes his way to the sixth rank in the list. He started his career with an iconic ton against England in 1996.
Ganguly scored a total of 915 runs in 9 matches (15 innings) vs England in England with an average above 65.
Gundappa Viswanath in action against England in 1981. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Gundappa Viswanath played a major role for India in Tests back in the 1970s. He scored 858 runs in 13 matches against England in England, with an average of 39.
Viswanath stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
Highest
Avg
100
50
1971-1982
13
24
858
113
39.00
1
9
8. Cheteshwar Pujara | 806 Runs
Cheteshwar Pujara after scoring a century against England in 2018. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Cheteshwar Pujara's journey as a test batsman in the English soil was short-lived but great. He scored 806 runs in 14 matches, having one century and 5 fifties to his name.
Pujara stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
Highest
Avg
100
50
2014-2022
14
28
806
132*
31.00
1
5
9. MS Dhoni | 778 Runs
MS Dhoni in action against England in a test match. Image | BBC
Apart from excellent captaincy records, MS Dhonialso holds the ninth position for most runs vs England in England for India in tests. He scored 778 runs in 12 matches (23 innings).
Ajinkya Rahane celebrating his knock of 103 runs against England in 2014. Image | Instagram
Ajinkya Rahane is the tenth name in the elite list for most runs vs England in England for India in tests. He scored 665 runs in 14 matches, with a classy century and 5 half centuries to his name.
Every Test Captain of Indian Men's Test Cricket Team
Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new Test captain of the Indian Men's Test Cricket team for the five-Test series starting in England from June 20.
Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new Test captain of the Indian Men's Test Cricket team for the five-Test series starting in England from June 20. Wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the vice-captain of the team.
Gill will replace Rohit Sharma, who retired from the format in May due to poor form last season, especially in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Gill's Test career
Gill has played 32 Tests for India so far. He made his Test debut in the MCG Test on India's 2020-21 Australia tour. He has so far scored 1893 runs at an average of 35.05. There is a big difference between his average at home (42.03) and outside (27.53). The upcoming series will be Gill's first full tour.
He has also played two WTC Finals there in 2021 and 2023, and also played the fifth Test on the 2021 tour after it was postponed due to COVID-19.
India will start WTC 2025-27 cycle with five-Test series
India will start the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with a five-Test series against England. They are scheduled to play the first Test at Headingley (from June 20), the second Test at Edgbaston (from July 2), the third Test at Lord's (from July 10), the fourth Test at Old Trafford (from July 23) and the final Test at The Oval (from July 31).
Every Captain of Indian Men's Test Cricket Team
Since their first Test in 1932, India have witnessed 36 Test captains across 589 matches. CK Nayudu led India in their maiden Test match in 1932 against England. However, it was only 20 years later that India tasted their first Test victory under the captaincy of Vijay Hazare against England on February 10, 1952 at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Only five Indian captains – Mohammed Azharuddin, Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – have managed to notch up at least 10 Test victories. Kohli remains as India’s most successful Test captain, winning 40 of the 68 Tests he led in with a 58.82 success rate. Leading in 60 games between 2008-14, Dhoni is the second-most successful Test skipper for the country, winning 27 matches.
The true defining moments of IPL happens in the playoffs stage. A batsman's ability to deal pressure and get going is tested in these high-stakes environment.
As we are about to enter the playoffs of IPL 2025, let's take a look at the 5 batters with the most runs in IPL playoffs history. Some impressive unmatched numbers are ready to unfold. Check them out.
5. Shane Watson | 389 Runs
Shane Watson playing for CSK in IPL 2019. Image | NDTV
The Australian legend, Shane Watson's impact on IPL playoffs and crucial matches holds the 5th position for the 5 batters with the most runs in IPL playoffs history.
Watson made his debut in IPL 2008 and played until 2020, scoring a total of 389 runs in 12 playoff matches. He was in the winning squad of Rajasthan Royals in 2008, and won the title with CSK in 2018. He also represented RCB during his IPL career.
Watson scored a century and 3 fifties in his IPL playoffs journey, with a strike rate above 150.
Faf du Plessis playing for RCB in IPL 2024 Eliminator. Image | Instagram
The South African cricketer, Faf du Plessis, has a strong playoffs record with the bat, having scored 390 runs in 15 playoff matches in IPL. His ability to adapt and play power-packed cricket has been crucial for the teams.
Shubman Gill celebrating his century for GT in IPL 2023. Image | Pinterest
The youngest name on this elite list, Shubman Gill, has rapidly grown to be a key player in IPL playoffs. He scored a total of 474 runs in just 10 playoff matches, playing for KKR and GT.
Gill's standout performance came with a record breaking 129 runs in the Qualifier 2 of IPL 2023 for Gujarat Titans. He also lifted the trophy with the franchise in 2022.
The numbers are about to increase, as GT has made it to the playoffs of IPL 2025, and we are yet to see some Gill magic in the upcoming playoffs scene.
MS Dhoni in action for CSK in IPL playoffs. Image |
A list like this is incomplete without the playoffs King himself, so here he is! MS Dhoni holds the second position with 523 runs in 28 playoff matches, which is the highest no. of matches among others in here.
Dhoni is a key player for the team who led CSK to win the IPL title 5 times, and also led RPSG into the finals in IPL 2017. His ability to finish matches will be forever treasured in all kinds of playing format.
MS Dhoni stats in IPL playoffs
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
Highest
Avg
SR
100
50
4s
6s
2008-2023
28
23
523
63*
34.86
132.07
0
2
32
28
1. Suresh Raina | 714 Runs
Suresh Raina playing for CSK in IPL playoffs. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The former Indian cricketer, Suresh Raina, holds the 1st rank in the list for 5 batters with the most runs in IPL playoffs history. He scored 714 runs in 24 playoffs matches, played for CSK and GL.
It's been 6 years since Raina played his last playoff match (in 2019), and his numbers are still far from being broken in the current IPL years.
He also won the title 4 times with CSK, playing a crucial role in their playoff games with a strike rate above 155.
Every IPL season delivers its share of moments, but some stay in our minds longer. Remarkable sportsmanship, brilliant athleticism, and performances under pressure is what truly defined the season.
Get ready to dive into those bittersweet moments that IPL 2025 brought to us. From KL Rahul's "This is my ground" to Suryavanshi touching Dhoni's feet. Here are 10 best moments of IPL 2025.
1. Suryavanshi touching Dhoni's feet
Vaibhav Suryavanshi touching MS Dhoni's feet after their last match of IPL 2025. Image | Hindustan Times
A recent heartfelt moment occurred after the end of RR vs CSK's match that many will remember. The 14-year-old star, Vaibhav Suryavanshi approached MS Dhoni, and bent down to touch his feet during the post-match handshakes.
The clips of this heartwarming moment was widely shared across the internet, highlighting the impact and inspiration Dhoni continues to provide the next generation cricketers.
2. "This is my ground"- Kohli and Rahul's viral banter
KL Rahul and Virat Kohli laughing it out after the clash between RCB and DC. Image | Instagram
Beyond the scoreboard, IPL offers moments of pure fun. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli provided one such moment with their "This is my ground" banter.
It started with Rahul's playful Kantara-style gesture at Chinnaswamy Stadium after both the teams met in their first encounter in IPL 2025. Later, Kohli returned the favour in Delhi, mimicking Rahul's move after RCB won in their second encounter.
This lighthearted exchange showed the great bond between these rivals.
3. Riyan Parag's historic 6 consecutive sixes against KKR!
Riyan Parag during his six-hitting blitz against KKR in IPL 2025. Image | France 24
Riyan Parag unleashed an incredible display of power-hitting against KKR, by smashing 6 consecutive sixes across 2 overs. He left the crowd and the bowlers (Moeen Ali and Varun Chakravarthy) stunned with his brilliance.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi celebrating his maiden IPL century against GT in IPL 2025. Image | BBC
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player to debut in IPL history, announced his presence by hitting his first ball in the IPL for a flat six! It intensifies in the later stage, when Rajasthan Royals faced GT, and this young boy scored 101 runs off 38 balls.
He not only became the youngest debutant, but also the youngest centurion in IPL history, and we're sure there's more to come in the future.
5. Punjab Kings defend lowest ever IPL total (vs KKR)
Punjab Kings celebrating the dismissal of Andre Russell during their match against KKR in IPL 2025. Image | ESPNcricinfo
IPL 2025 gave us a huge surprise when Punjab Kings pulled off an unexpected victory against KKR by successfully defending 111 runs.
The match initially seemed like an easy win for KKR after the first inning, but the bowlers of PBKS, especially Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28) and Marco Jansen (3/17) completely turned things around!
PBKS bowled them out in 15.3 overs and sealed the victory. This became the lowest total ever defended in IPL.
6. Abhishek Sharma's papercut and record-breaking century
Abhishek Sharma during his papercut celebration after scoring a century against PBKS. Image | Instagram
Abhishek Sharma won hearts with his record-breaking knock of 141 runs off just 55 balls against PBKS in IPL 2025. He pulled a small note out of his pocket after reaching his century, with the message "This one is for Orange Army."
This gesture went viral and people talked about his dedication after knowing the fact that he was carrying the note for several games!
He also became the highest scoring Indian batsman in an innings in IPL history with this knock.
𝘼 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙚-𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙮 𝙏𝙊𝙉 💯
A stunning maiden #TATAIPL century from Abhishek Sharma keeps #SRH on 🔝 in this chase 💪
Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah sharing words between the match between RCB vs MI. Image | InsideSport
In a highly charged match between RCB and MI, where Jasprit Bumrah returned to action for MI, making his comeback after injury layoff, an extraordinary drama took place. Virat Kohli welcomed Bumrah with a massive six on the very first ball bowled to him.
This instantly ignited the intensity of the game where we saw two legendary players going against each other.
8. MS Dhoni's vintage run-out vs LSG
MS Dhoni in action behind the stumps during a match against LSG in IPL 2025. Image | NDTV
MS Dhoni delivered a classic no-look flick run-out against Lucknow Super Giants in a match in IPL 2025. The LSG batter, Abdul Samad, was caught short by Dhoni's brilliance, where he swiftly and almost effortlessly flicked the ball to get him out.
This display of precision and speed with direct-hit was pure vintage Dhoni.
Shreyas Iyer walks down the ground with Shashank Singh after his 97* in the first innings against GT. Image | Instagram
Shreyas Iyer scored a commendable 97* off 42 balls against GT in their first match of IPL 2025. What made his knock memorable was his decision to prioritise the team over individual milestone.
Despite being just 3 runs away from a century, Iyer consciously allowed his batting partner, Shashank Singh, to continue batting and hitting boundaries.
Eventually, Iyer remained at the non-striker's end, sacrificing his hundred and being just happy for the team.
10. The Salt-David relay catch!
Phil Salt and Tim David during their magnificent relay-catch against MI in IPL 2025. Image | NDTV
A spectacular moment in IPL 2025 saw Phil Salt and Tim David execute a breathtaking relay catch against MI. Salt leaped to take the catch, flicking the ball mid-air for David before crossing the boundary line.
This catch was taken during a crucial stage at the game, which left the fans stunned by their perfect sync and teamwork.
𝘾𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 💥
Phil Salt & Tim David pulled off a game-changing blinder at the ropes! ❤️
First Hat-trick of IPL 2025: Yuzvendra Chahal took 4 wickets in a single over, including a hat-trick against CSK.
Super over in IPL after 4 years: The first and only tied match of IPL 2025 till now, between RR and DC, which was an absolute roller-coaster.
Rinku Singh's match-winning fielding: Rinku Singh executed a quick pickup and one-bounce throw in the last over against RR, which bagged KKR a crucial 1-run victory.
Yash Dayal in last overs for RCB: Yash Dayal has consistently showcased his power to restrict the run flow in high pressure matches in the last overs for RCB.
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