Here’s the full list of India’s Test captains till date ft. Shubman Gill

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India’s Test cricket journey, which began in 1932 under the leadership of CK Nayudu, has seen a rich tapestry of captains, each leaving a unique imprint on the team’s legacy. As the baton passes to Shubman Gill, who becomes the 37th Test captain ahead of the high-profile England tour, it’s an apt moment to reflect on the men who have led India in the longest format of the game.

The story of India’s Test captaincy began with Nayudu, who led the team in their maiden Test against England in 1932. The early decades were marked by experimentation, with captains like Maharajkumar of Vizianagram, Lala Amarnath and Vijay Hazare navigating the challenges of a fledgling cricketing nation. Lala Amarnath etched his name in history as the first Indian captain to secure a Test win, while Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, with his charismatic leadership, delivered India’s first overseas series victory in New Zealand (1967-68).

As Indian cricket matured, the captaincy mantle was passed to icons like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Mohammad Azharuddin. Each brought their own style, Gavaskar’s resilience, Kapil’s flair, and Azharuddin’s wristy elegance. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the emergence of modern leaders: Sourav Ganguly, who instilled aggression and belief; Rahul Dravid, the calm tactician; and Anil Kumble, the inspirational spinner.

The era of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli marked a golden phase. Dhoni’s cool-headed leadership delivered 27 Test wins, making him the second-most successful Indian Test captain. Kohli, with an unmatched zeal, notched up a record 40 Test victories in 68 matches, setting new benchmarks for consistency and overseas success.

With Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket, the leadership torch has now been handed to 25-year-old Gill. His appointment comes at a time when Indian cricket is embracing generational change, with format-specific captains across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Gill, who has already impressed with 1,893 runs in 32 Tests, faces the formidable challenge of leading India in England, a venue where many Indian captains have been tested.

Gill joins a distinguished list that includes legends and stand-ins alike. Notably, only five Indian captains, Azharuddin, Ganguly, Dhoni, Kohli and Rohit, have achieved 10 or more Test wins, highlighting the difficulty of sustained success in this demanding role. Sachin Tendulkar remains the youngest to have led India in Tests, taking charge at 23, while Ajinkya Rahane and KL Rahul have also served as interim captains in recent years.

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