Who is the Best Captain in India Cricket History? MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, or Virat Kohli

kaiggy12 31-Jan-2025 • 09:45

Who is the Best Captain in India Cricket History?

Some of the most famous captains in India cricket history have each had a distinct style of leadership. Among the most debated names are MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. Because of Dhoni's ability to win every ICC trophy, his unparalleled leadership contribution to Indian cricket, and his composure under pressure, MS Dhoni stands out as the best captain if one had to choose.

Cricket

Here are the detailed match statistics for players who have captained the Indian cricket team in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is:

Player	Span	Matches	Won	Lost	Tied	Draw	W/L	%W	%L
MS Dhoni	2007-2018	332	178	120	6	15	1.48	53.61%	36.14%
M Azharuddin	1990-1999	221	104	90	2	19	1.15	47.05%	40.72%
V Kohli	2013-2022	213	135	60	3	11	2.25	63.38%	28.16%
S Ganguly	1999-2005	196	97	79	0	15	1.22	49.48%	40.3%
R Sharma	2017-2024	134	95	33	2	3	2.87	70.89%	24.62%
K Dev	1982-1987	108	43	40	1	22	1.07	39.81%	37.03%
R Dravid	2000-2007	104	50	39	0	11	1.28	48.07%	37.5%
S Tendulkar	1996-2000	98	27	52	1	12	0.51	27.55%	53.06%
S Gavaskar	1976-1985	84	23	29	0	30	0.79	27.38%	34.52%
A Kumble	1990-2000	14	6	5	1	2	1.2	42.85%	35.71%
N Pataudi	1962-1975	40	9	19	1	11	0.47	22.5%	47.5%
G Gambhir	2009-2010	11	6	4	0	1	1.5	54.54%	36.36%
A Wadekar	1971-1974	16	6	5	0	5	1.2	37.5%	31.25%

Also Check: Top 10 most successful captains in India cricket

MS Dhoni

Having guided the side to three ICC championships—the Champions Trophy (2013), the ODI World Cup (2011), and the T20 World Cup (2007)—known as “Captain Cool,” he revolutionized Indian cricket with his exceptional decision-making.

MS Dhoni

Virat Kohli

With 40 Test victories, Kohli is India's most successful Test captain. One of the greatest records in Test history was produced by his aggressive style. For a few years, Kohli dominated the ICC Test rankings.

Virat Kohli

Rohit Sharma

Rohit won five IPL championships and is an excellent leader. He has also won the 2023 Asia Cup. And he is now the captain of India with the highest winning percentage of the team.

Rohit Sharma

Sourav Ganguly

Ganguly revitalized Indian cricket and led India to the 2003 ICC World Cup final and several memorable overseas victories.

Sourav Ganguly

Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev’s 1983 World Cup triumph remains one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history. His leadership brought self-belief to Indian cricket.

Kapil Dev

Mohammad Azharuddin

Azharuddin captained India in 174 matches and brought stability to the team during the 1990s.

Mohammad Azharuddin

Ajit Wadekar

Wadekar led India to it’s first-ever Test series wins overseas, against England and the West Indies in 1971.

Ajit Wadekar

Rahul Dravid

Dravid’s tenure saw India achieve a historic Test series win in England in 2007. He emphasized discipline and team-building.

Rahul Dravid

Anil Kumble

Kumble led with integrity, achieving a notable series win against Pakistan and providing stability during a transitional phase.

Anil Kumble

Nawab Pataudi

Pataudi is remembered for his bold leadership, encouraging the team to play fearless cricket despite limited resources.

Nawab Pataudi

Gautam Gambhir

Gambhir led India to the 2010 Asia Cup, exhibiting his exceptional leadership.

Gautam Gambhir

How Many Captains Have Led the Indian Cricket Team in ICC Finals?

The Indian team has reached the ICC finals a total of 10 times under different captains. Captains MS Dhoni and Sourav Ganguly both performed well, reaching the final with the most three times.

Player	ICC Tournament Final Played	Year	Outcome
MS Dhoni	2007 T20 World Cup Final	2007	Won
	2011 World Cup Final	2011	Won
	2013 Champions Trophy Final	2013	Won
Virat Kohli	2017 Champions Trophy Final	2017	Lost
Virat Kohli	2021 WTC Final	2021	Lost
Sourav Ganguly	2000 Champions Trophy Final	2000	Lost
	2002 Champions Trophy Final	2002	Shared with Sri Lanka
	2003 World Cup Final	2003	Lost
Kapil Dev	1983 World Cup Final	1983	Won
Rohit Sharma	2023 WTC Final	2023	TBA (To Be Announced)

Summary

Even though Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been outstanding captains, MS Dhoni's accomplishments are unmatched. His ability to win key matches, his coolness under pressure, and his aptitude for encouraging his squad make him the best captain in Indian cricket history.