Top 10 Indian Captains Who Scored the Most Test Centuries

Taking charge of India’s Test cricket team is not a cup of tea for everyone. It’s a role that demands sharp decision-making and, for some, the ability to shine with the bat under pressure. Since India’s Test journey began, 37 players have led the side, with Shubman Gill stepping up as the latest captain in May 2025. Some of these leaders weren’t just tacticians; they were batting powerhouses, piling up centuries despite the weight of captaincy.

Indian Captains with Most Hundreds in Test History

Let’s dive into the top 10 Indian captains who scored the most Test centuries, spotlighting their standout performances, including Shubman Gill’s centuries, Virat Kohli’s century tally, MS Dhoni’s highest score in Test cricket, and India’s Test captaincy record.

Sl. no.	Players	Test Centuries
1	Virat Kohli	20 Centuries
2	Sunil Gavaskar	11 Centuries
3	Mohammed Azharuddin	9 Centuries
4	Sachin Tendulkar	7 Centuries
5	MS Dhoni	5 Centuries
6	Sourav Ganguly	5 Centuries
7	Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi	5 Centuries
8	Rahul Dravid	4 Centuries
9	Rohit Sharma	4 Centuries
10	Shubman Gill	3 Centuries*

1. Virat Kohli – 20 Centuries

Virat Kohli was a run-machine as India’s Test captain, racking up 20 centuries in 68 matches from 2014 to 2022. If you’re wondering Virat Kohli how many centuries he scored while leading, that’s 20; a record that towers over others. He also notched 18 fifties in 113 innings, with his best being an unbeaten 254 against South Africa in Pune in 2019. Kohli’s 40 Test wins as captain top India’s Test captaincy record, and his hunger for runs made him a game-changer. He called time on his Test career in May 2025.

Related read – Virat Kohli Net Worth

2. Sunil Gavaskar – 11 Centuries

Sunil Gavaskar, a name synonymous with Indian cricket, led the team in 47 Tests from 1976 to 1985. He smashed 11 centuries and 14 fifties in 74 innings, averaging a solid 50.72. Gavaskar’s knack for grinding out big scores under pressure helped India hold their own in tough battles. His leadership laid the groundwork for India’s rise in Test cricket.

3. Mohammed Azharuddin – 9 Centuries

Mohammed Azharuddin brought flair to India’s Test team, captaining 47 matches between 1990 and 1999. His wristy strokeplay produced nine centuries and nine fifties in 68 innings. His career-best 192 came against New Zealand in Auckland in 1990, a knock that showcased his class as both a leader and a batter.

4. Sachin Tendulkar – 7 Centuries

Sachin Tendulkar, the Little Master, wasn’t just a batting legend; he led India in 25 Tests from 1996 to 2000. During his stint, he cracked seven centuries and seven fifties in 43 innings, averaging an impressive 51.35. Balancing captaincy with his batting genius, Tendulkar delivered when it mattered most.

Related read – Sachin Tendulkar Net Worth

5. MS Dhoni – 5 Centuries

MS Dhoni, the cool-headed wicketkeeper, captained India in 60 Tests from 2008 to 2014, steering the team to 27 wins, the second-best in India’s Test captaincy record. He scored five centuries and 24 fifties, with MS Dhoni’s highest score in Test cricket as captain being a massive 224 against Australia in Chennai in 2013. That double ton was a testament to his grit and flair behind the stumps.

Related read – MS Dhoni Net Worth

6. Sourav Ganguly – 5 Centuries

Sourav Ganguly, fondly called Dada, transformed Indian cricket during his 49-Test captaincy from 2000 to 2005. He scored five centuries in 75 innings, totalling 2561 runs. His standout knock was 144 against Australia in Brisbane in 2003, a bold statement against a fearsome attack. Ganguly’s leadership and batting fire set a new tone for India.

Related read – Sourav Ganguly Net Worth

7. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi – 5 Centuries

Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, or Tiger Pataudi, led India in 40 Tests from 1962 to 1975. He scored five centuries, including a memorable unbeaten 203 against England in 1964, and added 13 fifties in 73 innings. His charisma and fearless batting made him a trailblazer in Indian cricket.

8. Rahul Dravid – 4 Centuries

Rahul Dravid, the rock of India’s batting, captained 25 Tests from 2003 to 2007. Known for his steely resolve, he scored four centuries and 10 fifties in 45 innings. His best effort as captain was 146 against the West Indies in 2006, proving why he was nicknamed “The Wall.”

9. Rohit Sharma – 4 Centuries

Rohit Sharma took the reins from Kohli in 2022, leading India in 24 Tests until his retirement in 2025. He scored four centuries in 42 innings, with his highest being 131 against England in 2024. Rohit’s smooth strokeplay and calm demeanour added a fresh chapter to India’s Test story.

Related read – Rohit Sharma Net Worth

10. Shubman Gill – 3 Centuries*

Shubman Gill burst onto the captaincy scene in 2025, and Shubman Gill’s centuries have already made headlines. In just two Tests, he scored three centuries: one on his debut as captain against England at Headingley and two more in the next game at Edgbaston. His 269 at Edgbaston is the highest score by an Indian Test captain, signalling a bold new era for India.
From Virat Kohli’s 20 centuries to Shubman Gill’s blazing start, these captains didn’t just lead; they dominated with the bat.

Related read – Shubman Gill Net Worth

Their centuries, scored under the weight of leadership, reflect their skill and heart. Whether it’s MS Dhoni’s epic 224 or Gavaskar’s steady brilliance, these players have etched their names into India’s Test captaincy record, inspiring fans and future stars alike.

FAQs

1. Who has the most Test centuries as an Indian captain?
Virat Kohli scored 20 centuries while captaining India in 68 Tests.

2. How many centuries did Shubman Gill score as Test captain?
Shubman Gill scored 3 centuries in his first two Tests as captain in 2025.

3. What is MS Dhoni’s highest score in Test cricket as captain?
MS Dhoni’s highest score was 224 against Australia in Chennai in 2013.

4. Who holds the record for the highest individual score by an Indian Test captain?
Shubman Gill holds the record with 269 against England at Edgbaston in 2025.

5. How many Test matches did Virat Kohli lead as captain?
Virat Kohli led India in 68 Tests, the highest in India’s Test captaincy record.

6. Which Indian captain scored an unbeaten double century?
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi scored an unbeaten 203 against England in 1964.

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