Top 8 Indian captains to secure Test series wins over England

India captain Rohit Sharma struggled to identify a single factor responsible for their unexpected defeat in the first Test of the ongoing five-match series against England in Hyderabad on Sunday. It marked the first time India lost a Test match at home after securing a lead of 190 runs in the first innings. England staged an impressive comeback to clinch the series opener by 28 runs, taking a 1-0 lead. Hence, it shows that it is difficult to win the series against England. Therefore, let us look at seven Indian captains who have managed to win a series against England;

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1. Ajit Wadekar (1971 and 1972-73)

Ajit Wadekar remains the sole Indian captain to have triumphed in a Test series against England, accomplishing this feat both on English soil and in India. Under his leadership, India secured a 1-0 victory in a three-match series held in England in 1971, followed by a 2-1 win in a five-match series played in India during the 1972-73 season.

2. Sunil Gavaskar (1981-82)

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Sunil Gavaskar is a cricketing icon who is celebrated as one of India's greatest opening batters. His illustrious career saw him dominate bowlers with his impeccable technique and resilient batting, earning him a revered status in the sport. The little master was the captain of the Indian team that beat England 1-0 in the six-match series played in 1981-82.

3. Kapil Dev (1986)

Kapil Dev is arguably the best all-rounder that Indian cricket has seen. He was regarded highly for his exceptional all-round skills. As India's former captain, he led the team to its historic World Cup victory in 1983. Dev's dynamic batting, effective bowling, and inspiring leadership continue to inspire generations of cricketers, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. One of such many great achievements that he has is his captaincy which led India to seal a 2-0 series win over England in a three-match series played on England soil in 1986.

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4. Mohammad Azharuddin (1993)

Mohammad Azharuddin captained India in numerous matches, guiding the team with strategic acumen. Despite controversies, Azharuddin's contributions to Indian cricket remain significant, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of fans worldwide. One of his significant contributions is his captaincy in leading India to whitewash England in a three-match Test series played in 1993 under him.

5. Sourav Ganguly (2001)

Sourav Ganguly is regarded as one of the fiercest and bold captains who gave Indian cricket a fighting spirit. He made the fans and the team believe that Indian cricket can stand toe to toe with cricketing powerhouses like Australia and England and even win matches. He was the skipper under whom the Indian team won a three-match Test series by a margin of 1-0 in 2001.

6. Rahul Dravid (2007)

The current India Head Coach was known for his cool, calm and effective captaincy. He is the third as well as last Indian captain to win a Test series in England. Under his captaincy, the Indian team were able to show brilliant fighting skill and beat England in their den by 1-0 in a three-match series that was played in the year. 

7. MS Dhoni (2008)

MS Dhoni etched his name in history as one of India's most successful captains. Known for his calm demeanour and astute leadership, he led India to multiple major trophies, including the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. Dhoni's legacy extends beyond the cricket field, inspiring millions. Dhoni led India to win the series 1-0 in a two-match Test series played in India in December 2008.

8. Virat Kohli (2016 and 2021)

Virat Kohli is a modern cricket master who epitomizes batting excellence with his aggressive yet elegant style. As India's former captain, he holds numerous records, including the fastest century in ODIs by an Indian. Kohli's passion, commitment, and unparalleled skill make him one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the sport. Virat Kohli is the only Indian captain to win two Test series against England in India. Under his leadership, India beat England 4-0 in 2016 and 3-1 in 2021.