Most Successful Captain in India

The number of matches a captain wins is often the most straightforward measure of their success. In Indian cricket, several leaders have etched their names in history by achieving remarkable victories across formats. Let’s explore how some of the most celebrated captains stack up based on their total wins.

Virat Kohli gave Indian cricket a new definition  with his aggressive nature and relentless pursuit of excellence. Kohli led India in 213 matches across formats and won 135 of those matches.  His overall win count places him second only to Dhoni. Kohli, however, is India’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 matches. Under his leadership, India won historic test series victories in overseas countries, including back-to-back series wins in Australia 2018-19 and 2020-21, and England dominance.

Under Kohli’s leadership, fitness, discipline, and professionalism were prioritized, making India one of the fittest teams. His all-out approach on the field encouraged his teammates to be fearless. Kohli has overseen multiple triumphs for India in bilateral series in the limited-overs formats but could not win an ICC trophy as captain.

• Tests: Captained 68 matches, winning 40
• ODIs: Led in 95 matches, winning 65
• T20Is: Captained 50 matches, winning 30

From the late ’80s to mid-’90s, Mohammad Azharuddin was one of India’s most successful ODI captains. Azharuddin was an elegant batsman and calm in the field. He captained India in 174 ODIs which was the highest at that time. Furthermore, he registered 90 wins.

Test captaincy of Azharuddin was also successful albeit to a moderate extent as India fared poorly against stronger teams away. Although there was a lot of controversy surrounding his career later, the captaincy of Azharuddin helped India lay the foundation in limited-overs cricket.

• Tests: Captained 47 matches, winning 14
• ODIs: Led in 174 matches, winning 90

While total wins showcase a captain’s ability to lead over a long period, win percentage provides a deeper insight into their efficiency and consistency. It highlights how often a team emerged victorious under their leadership, regardless of the number of matches played. Let’s explore the captains who have excelled in terms of win percentage across formats, offering a different perspective on success.

Rohit Sharma has become one of India’s most successful captains, with excellent win percentages in all formats in a very quick time. In T20Is, Rohit has a win rate of 79.03%, making him India’s most successful captain in the shortest format. In ODIs, his record as captain has been just as fruitful with a win percentage of 75 plus. In Tests, he has led India to nine wins out of sixteen matches at a win rate of 62.5 %.

Rohit’s ability to change his strategy depending on the format or the opposition is the reason behind his success. Through his calmness in pressure situations and tactical brilliance, India has won bilateral series and made finals of tournaments. Furthermore, his ability to make youngsters gain in their performances while keeping it consistent has also provided depth for India across formats.

• Tests: Captained 16 matches, winning 9 (62.5%)
• ODIs: Captained 45 matches, winning 34 (75.55%)
• T20Is: Captained 62 matches, winning 49 (79.03%)

MS Dhoni might not have the highest win % as compared to the other captains on the list. However, he is the one who has delivered wins during ICC tournaments. Dhoni has a T20I win rate of 56.94% and an ODI win rate of roughly 55%. He led India during one of its most successful eras across formats.

Ms. Dhoni is known for his composure and impeccable decision-making skills under pressure that turned the game in India’s favour. Because of his captaincy, India won three ICC trophies T20 World Cup (2007), ODI World Cup (2011), Champions Trophy (2013). No other Indian captain achieved this feat. Apart from ICC events, the Indian team under Dhoni became Number one in the ICC Test rankings for the first time in history.

• Tests: Captained 60 matches, winning 27 (45%)
• ODIs: Captained 200 matches, winning 110 (55%)

T20Is: Captained 72 matches, winning 41 (56.94%)

Indian cricket has witnessed exceptional captains who have made their mark on the game. These are the leaders who have led the team to many victories but have also paved the path for the future of Indian cricket. Here are the top 10 successful captains throughout Indian history based on their records, win percentage and contributions in all the formats:

1. MS Dhoni: The Pinnacle of Success

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the most successful captain in the history of Indian cricket. With an astounding 332 matches captained across formats, Dhoni has secured 178 wins, making him the captain with most wins. Thanks to his placid demeanor, crisp decision-making and ability to handle pressure, he was nicknamed “Captain Cool”. Under his stewardship, India went on to win all three major ICC trophies – T20 World Cup in 2007, the ODI World Cup in 2011 and Champions Trophy in 2013. Further, he engineered India to the No.1 spot in Test rankings for the first time in 2009.

• Matches: 332
• Wins: 178
• Win Percentage: 53.61%

2. Virat Kohli: The Test Cricket Maestro

Virat Kohli changed the course of Indian cricket through his aggression and fitness. Kohli was the captain of the Indian team that won 40 Tests out of 68 Tests. He is one the most successful Indian Test captains with a win percentage of 58.82%. He fared well in ODIs and T20Is, securing 135 wins overall. While Kohli was captain, India won historic Test series overseas in Australia and South Africa while constantly winning at home.

• Matches: 213
• Wins: 135
• Win Percentage: 63.38%

3. Sourav Ganguly: The Team Builder

Sourav Ganguly took over the captaincy of Indian cricket at a time of turmoil to build an attacking outfit that made its mark globally. Dada is known to be a fearless leader and instilled confidence in a very young team to go overseas and win matches. He nurtured talents like Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh. He created important moments in Indian cricket by winning the NatWest Trophy in 2002 and reaching the World Cup Final in 2003.

• Matches: 196
• Wins: 97
• Win Percentage: 49.48%

4. Rohit Sharma: The Rising Star

Rohit Sharma is the go-to captain for many fans because of his win percentages across all formats. In T20Is, he has a win percentage of over 79 which makes him the most successful Indian captain in T20Is. In ODIs, his leadership record is equally impressive with over 75% win rate. Rohit has successfully taken India to a few major wins as a Test captain.

• Matches: 129
• Wins: 95
• Win Percentage: ~73%

5. Mohammad Azharuddin: The ODI Specialist

In the 1990s, Mohammad Azharuddin was one of India’s most successful ODI captains. At that time, he had led India in a record 174 ODIs, and his win percentage was nearly 54%. His Test record may not have been all that impressive, but his limited-overs contributions set up future success.

• Matches: 221
• Wins: 104
• Win Percentage: ~47%

6. Kapil Dev: The World Cup Legend

Kapil Dev as a captain is known for the 1983 Cricket World Cup Victory- the moment that changed Indian cricket forever.  Although his win percentage is not the best ever, his motivational skills and leading by example make Kapil one of the greatest Indian leaders of all time.

• Matches: 108
• Wins: 43
• Win Percentage: ~39.81%

7. Rahul Dravid: The Dependable Leader

Under the leadership and captaincy of Rahul Dravid, India achieved success with sporting performances both at home and away during a transitional period. During the captaincy of Rahul Dravid, India won the Test Series in England and the West Indies. Both these victories were after more than 20 years. Dravid’s composed demeanor made him a suitable candidate for team captaincy.

• Matches: 104
• Wins: 50
• Win Percentage: ~48%

8. Ajit Wadekar: The Trailblazer

Ajit Wadekar was crucial for India’s first-ever overseas Test series win. In 1971, India, under his captaincy, defeated the Windies and the English on their home grounds. Although he had only a few Tests as captain, he is significant in Indian cricket history.

• Matches: ~17
• Wins: ~5
• Win Percentage: ~29%

9. Nawab of Pataudi Jr.: The Visionary Leader

Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi was a gritty player who played for India in tough times. Although he had limited resources and opportunities, he motivated his team to believe in themselves and helped India win its first overseas Test against New Zealand.

• Matches: ~40
• Wins: ~9
• Win Percentage: ~22%

10. Sunil Gavaskar: The Original Master

Despite leading India during a difficult time, Sunil Gavaskar achieved several successes as captain. His tactical genius helped him win vital battles at home and also prepared the way for later victories.

• Matches: ~84
• Wins: ~23
• Win Percentage: ~27%

These ten captains have made their mark on Indian cricket through their leadership styles, achievements, and their ability to inspire teams on and off the field. MS Dhoni’s one-of-a-kind ICC victories, Virat Kohli’s excellence in Tests and Sourav Ganguly’s brave rebuilding were instrumental in fuelling the great journey of India in cricket.

Here’s a concise comparative chart for the top 10 most successful Indian cricket captains based on matches, wins, and win percentage: