Top 10 Best Test Captain of India - 2025

Captaincy in Test cricket is about more than simply tossing the coin or placing the fielders. It's about encouraging the team, making decisions on tactics, and showing resilience in tough situations. The best test captain of India is not just a leader but also the country's face for cricket, carrying the aspirations and dreams of millions on their shoulders.

Every captain introduces their special style on the ground, which affects not only the results of the match but also the spirit of the game. Test cricket demands a patient, strategically aware, and adaptable leader who can use their sharp mind during crucial circumstances, qualities that set the greats apart from the ordinary captain. Their ability to sense the game, take courageous decisions in the face of adversity, and grow the young guns has been the backbone behind India's consistent performance in the Test series.

Ranking Factors

The top 10 best Indian test captains in 2025 are chosen based on a combination of captaincy records, team management, and overseas performances.

• Captaincy Records: Captaincy records play an important role in choosing the best captain of India in tests. This includes the number of matches captained, win-loss record, series victories, and performances in high-pressure situations. Their captaincy records showcase their decision-making abilities and asses the conditions of the game. Their talent to lead the side well in the home and away tours has been a crucial aspect of their winning records.
• Team Management: One of the most defining aspects of the best test captain of India is their team management skills. A good captain knows how to bring the best out of every player, manage egos, and maintain harmony in the dressing room. Building trust with players and backing them during rough patches are qualities that separate a great leader from the rest. The best test captains of India are known for their exceptional man-management skills, keeping in mind that the team remains focused, motivated, and united under all situations.
• Overseas Performances: Overseas performance has always been the toughest challenge for Indian Test captains. Winning in conditions away from home, where pitches are unfamiliar, media pressure and crowd support are limited, is a mark of true leadership. The best test captain of India is judged not only by their dominance at home but also by their success on challenging foreign soil. Captains who have led the team to historic series wins in SENA countries (South Africa, England, Australia, and New Zealand) are often regarded for their exceptional mindset and fearless approach.

List of Current Best Test Captain of India

Who is the Most Successful Test Captain of India?

The title of the most successful Test captain in India is not just about winning matches; it's about redefining Indian cricket in the longest format of the game. Over the years, Indian cricket has been blessed with leaders who have revolutionized the country's perception of Test cricket. In this article, we will find out who is the best Test captain of India.

Virat Kohli has been the most successful test captain for India, and in terms of playing conditions and opponents' players and strengths, Sourav Ganguly has been the greatest red-ball captain for the side. As the most successful test captain of India has retired, we will deep dive into the top 10 best Test Captains of India.

10. Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble is often known for his exceptional leg-spin bowling and amazing wicket-taking ability. He ranks among the best captains of India in Test cricket. 'Jumbo' was appointed as the captain for the red-ball format in the year 2007. It was a transition period for Indian cricket, with fresh faces replacing the legends. He was a calm and composed skipper with an exceptional strategic mind and a warrior-like spirit on the field.

Kumble's captaincy was put to the greatest test in the controversial Sydney Test against Australia in 2008. His calm handling of the affair, amidst all the pressure he faced, reflected his strong moral fiber and respect for the game. Although it was a short stint as skipper, Anil Kumble remains one of the best Test captains of India to date. Despite his short tenure of just 14 matches, Kumble's influence was deeply impactful for the Men in Blue.

9. Bishan Singh Bedi

Bishan Singh Bedi's leadership style was both simple and bold. He was a firm believer in playing tough with honest cricket, maintaining the rules and regulations of the game, with his captaincy mainly depending on outsmarting rivals with ability and strategy. He led the Men in Blue Test team from 1975 to 1978. This was a new way to Indian cricket with his toughness and uncompromising attitude towards the game. During his captaincy, India won major games, such as a historic win against the West Indies at Port of Spain in 1976.

At his peak, the left-arm spinner spun a web over some of the best batsmen in the world. That is why, he has been the best left-arm spinner in cricket history. His fantastic bowling action and ability to deliver sharp and big turns on all types of surfaces made him a deadly bowler. As a captain, he led by example, often setting attacking fields and pushing his bowlers to go for wickets rather than merely containing runs.

8. Ajit Wadekar

Ajit Wadekar's name stands out in the history of Indian cricket as one of the greatest Test captains of India. Succession to the leadership of the legendary Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Wadekar's captaincy stint was nothing less than revolutionary. Wadekar's greatest moment as captain was achieved in India's historic series victories over the West Indies and England in 1971. This was a historic moment in Indian cricket history.

Under Wadekar, India won its first-ever Test series in the Caribbean Islands and followed it up with a stunning victory on English soil. Wadekar was famous for his keen cricketing brain and bold decision-making. His captaincy introduced to the team a sense of togetherness and belief, which made India a global powerhouse.

In the dressing room, he created discipline and a strict environment so that players like Sunil Gavaskar and Gundappa Viswanath could sharpen their skills. Ajit Wadekar remained a part of Indian cricket as a coach and selector. This is the reason he remains one of the most successful Test captains in India.

7. Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane has been one of the most underrated captains and players for India. Though his stint as captain was brief, it was impactful enough to etch his name among the contenders for the most successful Test captain in India. Rahane’s leadership style is defined by calmness, strategic clarity, and an unyielding spirit that brings out the best in his teammates. The crowning moment of Rahane's captaincy came during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

After a crushing defeat in the first Test, where India were bowled out for their lowest-ever score of 36, Rahane took over the reins from Virat Kohli, who left to attend the birth of his child. With calmness and determination, Rahane steered India to an unforgettable win in Melbourne. Rahane boldly and confidently led India to a historic victory in Melbourne.

His captaincy continued to inspire the team as they fought through injuries and adversity to a terrific series win at the Gabba, Australia's fortress for over 30 years. Though his captaincy opportunities were limited, Rahane’s stint remains one of the shining examples of resilience and tactical brilliance. This is the reason he remains one of the most successful Test captains in India.

6. Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid is widely regarded not only as "The Wall" of Indian cricket but also as a leader whose calm demeanor and strategic intelligence revolutionized Indian Test cricket. His tenure as captain was filled with controversy in 2007 as he could not lead the side to the knockout of the ICC ODI World Cup in the West Indies. However, in the traditional format, it was filled with memorable wins that sealed his reputation as one of the most successful Test captains of India.

India accomplished some great milestones under Dravid, including their first Test series victory in England in 21 years in 2007. His strategic brilliance was also obvious in the 2006 West Indies series win, which came after 35 years. Dravid’s legacy as a captain goes beyond the wins; it’s about the culture of grit and determination he instilled in the team.

5. Mohammad Azharuddin

Mohammad Azharuddin is one of the most successful Test captains in India, recognized for his beautiful stroke play and sharp cricketing mind. Azharuddin's captaincy began in 1989, and he soon established himself as a leader capable of inspiring his side to excel on the highest platforms. During his tenure, the Men in Blue became a dominant power at home, with extraordinary success in Test matches played on Indian soil.

His ability to understand the game and make tactical decisions in critical moments distinguished him from other cricketers. Azharuddin's bowling changes, alterations in batting order, and fielding arrangements often changed the game to India's favor; a skill he possessed by his deep understanding of the game of cricket. Azharuddin's value to the game of cricket, with his class and dignity, also earned him respect within international cricket. Despite all the match-fixing controversies, he has been one of the finest cricketers as well.

4. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, called the "Hitman" of Indian cricket, has made a massive impact in white-ball cricket through his destructive batting, remarkable consistency, and capability to make a game-changing knock in high-profile tournaments. Apart from his batting, he has been one of the all-time best Test captain of India. He led the side in the 2023 World Test Championship final, showcasing exceptional leadership and an excellent understanding of the game.

The 38-year-old’s career as a captain has been full of ups and downs, with standout moments of his captaincy, was India's historic Test series win against Australia in 2024 and before that against England and the West Indies. Rohit's ability to back young talents and extract the best out of experienced players has been a game-changer.

Although a home series loss against New Zealand created controversies over his leadership roles, he has been an excellent skipper for India across formats. Rohit, after leading India for 16 matches, announced his retirement from the longest format of the game. He announced on 7 May 2025, ahead of India's England tour.

3. MS Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, also known as "Captain Cool," is more than a cricket superstar. Dhoni is a global icon and one of the most successful sports figures in history. Dhoni captained India to three ICC trophies in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He changed the dynamics of wicket-keeping with lightning-fast reflexes behind the stumps.

Apart from leading India in the limited-overs format, Dhoni led India in the traditional format of the game. He is widely regarded as the best Test captain of India. Under Dhoni's captaincy, India moved to the peak of Test cricket, becoming the top-ranked Test team in 2009. India's historic series victory against New Zealand in 2009 and their 4-0 thrashing of Australia in 2013. He has led India in 60 test matches, he retired in the middle of the BGT series in Australia in 2014.

2. Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly is largely regarded as the best Test captain of India, having changed Indian cricket via his bold attitude and forceful leadership. His capacity to nurture young talents like Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh, who later on won matches for the nation in both Test and limited-overs cricket. Sourav Ganguly's legacy as India's Test captain is not only about the wins but about giving Indian cricket self-belief.

His period marked the dawn of India's belief that they could win not only at home, but even overseas. He took over the captaincy after the match fixing controversies and led India to iconic Test victories in Australia, England, and Pakistan under the captaincy of Ganguly, proving their mettle in challenging situations. He captained India between 2000 and 2005 in 49 tests, leading to 21 wins. This is the reason he remains as best captain of India in Tests.

1. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has been the greatest ODI batter of all time. He is the ‘modern master’ of cricket; he sits at the top of the most ODI hundreds list. He has been the face of Indian and world cricket for many years. Between 2017 and 2019, Kohli scored nearly 3,500 Test runs at a staggering average of 64.61. He scored 14 Test hundreds during this time. During this time, he also led India in the red ball format. He has 7 double centuries, which is the most by any captain in the longest format of the game.

Since taking over the captaincy of Test cricket in 2014, he redefined Indian Test cricket with his dynamic leadership and aggressive style of playing cricket, earning him the title of the best captain of India in Test history. Under Kohli's captaincy, India reached the pinnacle of the ICC Test rankings and stayed there for a record 42 months.

India’s historic series win in Australia in 2018-19, their first-ever Down Under, is one of the crowning achievements of his captaincy. He has been one of the finest in the red ball format, leading India. Recently, the former India captain retired from Test cricket right ahead of India's tour to England, but he is regarded as the best Test captain of India.