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Top Indian Captains with Most Test Wins in England: From Ajit Wadekar to Virat Kohli
A Look Back at India’s Most Successful Test Captains on English Soil
As India gear up for the much-anticipated five-match Test series against England, set to begin on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, the focus is not only on the current squad but also on the legacy left behind by India’s previous Test captains. With Shubman Gill set to make his captaincy debut in England, comparisons are naturally drawn to those who led India with distinction in the past.
Over the decades, several Indian skippers have etched their names into cricketing history with memorable wins on English soil. From India’s first-ever Test win in England in 1971 to Virat Kohli’s aggressive leadership in the modern era, Indian cricket has seen its fair share of iconic moments in the UK.
Let’s take a look at the top five Indian captains who have registered the most Test victories in England.
5. Sourav Ganguly – 1 Win in 4 Matches
Known as the architect of modern Indian cricket, Sourav Ganguly led India on the 2002 tour of England, where the team played four Test matches. India lost the opening game, but the turning point came in Headingley, where Ganguly’s side pulled off a famous win in overcast conditions, thanks to brilliant performances from the batting unit and the bowlers.
The series ended in a 1-1 draw, with two matches ending as stalemates. Ganguly’s captaincy record in England stands at 1 win, 1 loss, and 2 draws.
4. Rahul Dravid – 1 Win, Historic Series Victory in 2007
Rahul Dravid guided India to their last Test series win in England, back in 2007. The tour consisted of three matches, and India drew the opener at Lord’s, won the second at Trent Bridge, and held on for another draw in the final Test to secure a 1-0 series win.
This victory marked a significant milestone, with India clinching a Test series in England after 21 years. Dravid’s calm leadership and tactical nous played a major role in that success.
3. Ajit Wadekar – 1 Win, First-Ever Indian Test Victory in England
In 1971, Ajit Wadekar created history by becoming the first Indian captain to win a Test match on English soil. The three-match series saw two draws, but the final game at The Oval changed the narrative forever.
India, under Wadekar’s astute leadership and with the brilliance of Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, secured their maiden win in England. This victory not only boosted Indian cricket’s global stature but also marked the beginning of India’s rise in Test cricket.
2. Kapil Dev – 2 Wins in 1986 Series
The 1986 tour of England witnessed one of India’s most dominant overseas performances under Kapil Dev’s captaincy. The team defeated England in the first Test at Lord’s and then followed it up with another emphatic win at Headingley, sealing a memorable series win.
Kapil Dev’s leadership was defined by attacking intent and fearlessness, complemented by Dilip Vengsarkar’s stunning form with the bat. This tour remains one of India’s finest moments in English conditions.
1. Virat Kohli – 3 Wins in 8 Matches
Though Virat Kohli never managed to win a Test series in England, he holds the record for most individual Test wins by an Indian captain on English soil. During the 2018 series, India managed a solitary win at Trent Bridge but lost the series 4-1.
However, Kohli’s defining captaincy performances came in 2021, where India won two iconic matches at Lord’s and The Oval, before the series was suspended due to COVID-19. His overall Test record in England as captain stands at 3 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw.
Kohli’s aggressive leadership, tactical acumen, and emphasis on fitness and pace bowling left a lasting impact on Indian cricket’s overseas performance.
Shubman Gill Carries the Torch Forward
As Shubman Gill prepares to take charge in the upcoming Test series, he will walk in the footsteps of these legendary names. With India looking to begin a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Gill has the opportunity to lead from the front and carve his name into the history books.
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