Most Successful Captain in India- Dhoni, Virat

10 Best Captains of India

Table contains the list of most successful captains in all formats (ODI, T20, Test matches)

Let’s discuss some of the most successful Captains of all times in India on the basis of winning percentage.

Rohit Sharma winning percentage as captain (86.04)

The above percentage shows an elegant batsman and a proven leader, Rohit Sharma has emerged as the current all-format captain of the Indian cricket team, stepping into the role after Virat Kohli’s era. During Kohli’s captaincy, Sharma served as India’s reliable backup captain, leading the team to overseas Test wins and clinching the 2018 Asia Cup. His excellent deputy skills were evident, making him the natural choice when Kohli relinquished captaincy earlier this year.

Not only has Sharma excelled as a leader for India, but he has also showcased his captaincy prowess in the Indian Premier League, guiding Mumbai Indians to an impressive five titles. His captaincy records stand as a testament to his extraordinary abilities, boasting the highest winning percentage among all Indian captains at 86.04%. Sharma’s strengths as a captain lie in his exceptional man-management and effective communication, which have helped him foster a strong bond within the team.

Though he has led India in only 43 matches, Sharma’s statistical performance and leadership qualities position him as India’s finest captain. With his elegant stroke-play and tactical brilliance, Sharma continues to be a vital asset to Indian cricket, both as a captain and a world-class batsman.

Dhoni winning percentage as captain 

MS Dhoni stands as the best captain of the Indian cricket team, achieving a unique feat by winning the ICC T20 World Cup, ICC ODI World Cup, and ICC Champions Trophy. Following Sourav Ganguly’s departure, India struggled to find a successor until Dhoni emerged, ushering in a new era of success and popularity. Under his leadership, young talents like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shikhar Dhawan blossomed into cricketing pillars. With a 54% win percentage across 332 matches, Dhoni’s calm, tactical prowess, and finishing skills earned him the moniker “Captain Cool” and legendary status. His captaincy remains etched in Indian cricket’s history, leaving an enduring impact for generations.

Winning percentage of Virat Kohli as captain(63.38%)

Virat Kohli, the second-best captain of the Indian cricket team, has showcased remarkable leadership skills during his tenure. With 135 wins out of 213 games, with 63.38% he has proven his mettle as a captain. Kohli’s batting prowess has also been exceptional, making him the third-highest runs scorer as captain in the world.

Under Kohli’s captaincy, India performed admirably in four ICC tournaments. While they reached the final of the ICC Champions Trophy, they faced defeat against Pakistan. In the World Test Championship, New Zealand emerged victorious in the final, and in the ICC ODI World Cup, India made it to the semi-finals. Despite not clinching major tournaments, Kohli’s leadership in bilateral series has been exceptional, securing victory in 38 out of 69 series led by him.

During his captaincy, the Indian team attained the top spot in the Test, ODI, and T20 ICC Rankings. Kohli’s success in Test matches allowed him to become the number one Indian captain in terms of most Test victories. While major tournament victories eluded him, his consistent performances and contributions as a captain cannot be underestimated, making him a significant figure in Indian cricket’s history.

Mohammad Azharuddin winning percentage as captain

Mohammad Azharuddin served as the captain of the Indian cricket team from 1990 to 1999, leading the team in 221 matches and securing 104 victories with a win percentage of 47.05%. Although his win tally is the third-highest for India, other statistics paint a mixed picture of his captaincy.

During his tenure, Azharuddin became the only Indian captain to lead the team in three different ICC World Cups – 1992, 1996, and 1999. However, India’s performance in these tournaments was not as promising. In the 1992 World Cup, India ended their journey in the seventh position due to the round-robin stage format. In 1996, they made it to the semifinals but suffered a disappointing defeat against Sri Lanka. In 1999, India managed only one victory in the super six stages, further affecting their overall performance.

Despite these challenges, Azharuddin’s captaincy tenure was extended due to his remarkable batting abilities. At that time, he was the leading run-scorer as captain, a record that was eventually broken by MS Dhoni. Azharuddin’s contribution as a batsman kept him at the helm for a significant period.

In conclusion, while Azharuddin’s captaincy saw both highs and lows in terms of team performance, his batting prowess played a significant role in his prolonged tenure as India’s skipper.

Sourav Ganguly winning percentage as captain

Sourav Ganguly, with 97 wins out of 195 matches as captain, holds the fourth-highest number of victories for India. He took charge after the failure of Azharuddin. Under his leadership, the Indian team rejuvenated, drawing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia and defeating Pakistan in their backyard in both the Test and ODI series. They even reached the final of the 2003 Cricket World Cup. Ganguly’s strategic acumen brought significant changes to the team during his captaincy. He also made notable changes to the BCCI constitution for the betterment of Indian cricket. His solid cricketing sense and strong-minded approach earned him respect, instilling confidence in the team during challenging times. Ganguly’s legacy as a captain and administrator continues to make him a revered figure in Indian cricket history.

Rahul Dravid 

Rahul Dravid led the Indian Team from 2000 to 2007, assuming the permanent captaincy role in 2005 after Sourav Ganguly. Over his seven-year tenure, Dravid left a lasting impact on fans and the cricketing world.

Notable among his achievements were the Test series win in 2004 and the ODI series victory in 2006 against Pakistan, both held in Pakistan. These victories were significant as Pakistan was one of the toughest opponents at that time, boasting a formidable bowling and batting lineup.

Dravid’s captaincy was characterized by his calm and composed demeanor, earning him the nickname “The Wall” for his steadfast approach on the field. He was known for leading by example, displaying technical brilliance with the bat and instilling a sense of discipline and determination in the team.

Off the field, Dravid’s sportsmanship and humility garnered immense respect from players and fans alike. His contributions to Indian cricket extend beyond his captaincy, with his mentorship and guidance nurturing future talents.

Kapil Dev 

Indian cricket owes a profound debt of gratitude to Kapil Dev for his captaincy services. He played a pivotal role in transforming the game’s following in the country. The historic victory in the 1983 World Cup was a game-changer, making India the first team to win the ODI World Cup after the West Indies. Under his captaincy, India won 43 out of 74 matches, with a notable 39 victories in ODIs. While his Test matches had a higher draw ratio, with 22 out of 34 ending without a result, his impact on Indian cricket is immeasurable. Kapil Dev’s leadership and remarkable achievements continue to inspire generations of cricketers and fans alike.

Top-5 Most successful captain in India: ODI Cricket

Top-5 Most successful captain in India: T20I

Top-5 Most successful captain in India: Test series