India’s 5 most successful cricket captains have led the team to historic victories, including multiple ICC trophies and memorable Test triumphs. Their leadership transformed Indian cricket across formats, shaping its global dominance. With impressive win records and strategic brilliance, these five captains played a pivotal role in the team’s international success.
5. Sourav Ganguly – 97 wins
Sourav Ganguly is widely credited with transforming the Indian cricket team in the early 2000s. As captain, he led India to 97 wins in 195 international matches, achieving a win-loss ratio of 1.243.Under his leadership, India secured several iconic victories, including the 2002 NatWest Trophy in England and the historic 2-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy win at home in 2001 against Australia.However, the most heartbreaking moment of his captaincy came in the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup final, where India suffered a 125-run defeat to Australia.
4. Rohit Sharma – 98 wins
Rohit Sharma has led India to 98 wins in 138 international matches, boasting an impressive win-loss ratio of 2.939.
Appointed as full-time captain in 2022, he has excelled in limited-overs cricket, guiding India to the 2023 ODI World Cup final and securing victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
However, his Test captaincy has drawn criticism, with many questioning his defensive tactics following India’s series losses to New Zealand and Australia in 2024/25.
3. Mohammad Azharuddin – 104 wins
Mohammad Azharuddin holds the record for captaining India in three 50-over World Cups (1992, 1996, and 1999), the most by any Indian captain.
He led India in 221 matches, winning 104 and losing 90, with a win-loss ratio of 1.155.
However, his legacy suffered a major setback when he was implicated in the match-fixing scandal in 2000, which ultimately ended his international career.
2. Virat Kohli – 135 wins
Virat Kohli’s achievements as India’s captain are often overshadowed by the team’s losses in ICC tournament knockout matches.
He led India in 213 matches, securing 135 wins and suffering 60 losses. He also remains India’s most successful Test captain, with 40 victories in 68 matches.
Under his leadership, India won three consecutive ICC Test Maces in 2017, 2018, and 2019. He also guided India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia during the 2018/19 tour.
1. MS Dhoni – 178 wins
He remains the only Indian captain to have won the 50-over World Cup (2011), the 20-over World Cup (2007), and the Champions Trophy (2013). Widely regarded as India’s greatest white-ball skipper, his calm leadership and tactical acumen set him apart.