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Complete list of Indian Test Captains: From CK Nayudu to Rishabh Pant

Prachi Rajan

Full list of India Test captains (Source: AFP)Full list of India Test captains (Source: AFP)

Shubman Gill's injury has made way for India star batter Rishabh Pant to become the 38th Test captain for India. The wicket-keeper batter is all set to enter the field as the 'emergency' captain for the Men in Blue in their next Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. 

Notably, Gill has been sidelined from India's upcoming outing after sustaining a neck spasm in the first Test and has yet to recover fully. The young Punjab batter took over India's Test captaincy earlier this year during the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy against England after former leader Rohit Sharma announced Test retirement.

As Rishabh Pant prepares to take on the enormous responsibility in the crucial game with the series on the line, let's take a look at the list of all India Test captains over the years. 

Complete list of Indian Test captains 

Player
Span
Matches
Won
Lost
W%
Rishabh Pant
2025-2025----
Shubman Gill2025-202584350
Jasprit Bumrah2022-202531233.33
Rohit Sharma2022-20242412950
KL Rahul2022-202232166.66
Ajinkya Rahane2017-202164066.66
Virat Kohli2014-202268401758.82
MS Dhoni2008-201460271845
A Kumble2007-2008143521.42
V Sehwag2005-201242150
R Dravid2003-2007258632
SC Ganguly2000-200549211342.85
SR Tendulkar1996-2000254916
M Azharuddin1990-199947141429.78
K Srikkanth1989-1989400-
RJ Shastri1988-1988110100
DB Vengsarkar1987-1989102520
N Kapil Dev1983-1987344711.76
GR Viswanath1980-1980201-
BS Bedi1976-19782261127.27
SM Gavaskar1976-1985479819.14
S Venkataraghavan1974-1979502-
AL Wadekar1971-1974164425
CG Borde1967-1967101-
MAK Pataudi1962-19754091922.5
NJ Contractor1960-1962122216.66
GS Ramchand1959-196051220
P Roy1959-1959101-
DK Gaekwad1959-1959404-
HR Adhikari1959-1959100-
PR Umrigar1955-195882225
Ghulam Ahmed1955-1959302-
MH Mankad1955-1959601-
VS Hazare1951-195314157.14
L Amarnath1947-1952152613.33
Nawab of Pataudi1946-1946301-
Vizianagram1936-1936302-
CK Nayudu1932-1934403-

Over the years, 37 players have captained the Men in Blue, and the 28-year-old batter is set to become the 38th. The full list of Indian Test captains includes legendary names such as CK Nayudu, Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar, MS Dhoni, and many more. 

However, the most notable name has to be Virat Kohli, who brought a Test revolution to the national setup. Kohli remains India’s most-capped Test captain with 68 matches,. 

Who has been the most successful Test captain for India? 

Under Virat Kohli's leadership, from 2014-2022, India witnessed a rise in aggressive, fast-paced gameplay, underscoring the importance of fast bowlers in the longest format of the game. 

Kohli holds the record for the most Test wins with 40 victories in 68 matches. His captaincy is also noted for a high win percentage, 58.82%, and success in challenging overseas conditions, particularly in countries like Australia.