This list features the top 5 highest individual scores by Indian captains, showcasing dominant double centuries in crucial matches. The record includes resilient innings at home and overseas, reflecting leadership under pressure. These knocks were instrumental in major victories and highlighted the evolving legacy of Indian captains in Test cricket.
5. MS Dhoni – 224 vs Australia, Chennai, 2013
MS Dhoni’s career-best Test score is also the fifth-highest by an Indian captains. He smashed his only double century against Australia in Chennai during the 2013 home series. Dhoni scored 224 off 265 balls, hitting 24 fours and six sixes.
India won the match by eight wickets, and Dhoni was named Player of the Match. His record stood as the highest by an Indian captain until Virat Kohli surpassed it.
4. Virat Kohli – 236 vs England, Wankhede, 2016
Virat Kohli holds the world record for most double centuries by a Test captain (7), and one of those came against England at Wankhede in 2016.
He scored 236 off 340 balls with 25 fours and a six, helping India post 631. India went on to win by an innings and 36 runs, and this innings broke Dhoni’s record for the highest Test score by an Indian captain at the time.
3. Virat Kohli – 243 vs Sri Lanka, Delhi, 2017
Kohli features again at No. 3 with his 243-run knock against Sri Lanka in Delhi during the 2017 home series.
He scored 243 off 287 balls with 25 boundaries in the first innings and followed it up with a 50 in the second. This dominant performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
2. Virat Kohli – 254 vs South Africa, Pune, 2019*
Virat Kohli’s highest Test score came against South Africa in Pune, 2019. His unbeaten 254 off 336 balls, with 33 fours and 2 sixes, helped India declare at 601/5.
South Africa collapsed for 275 and 189, losing by an innings and 137 runs. For over five years, this knock remained the highest by an Indian captains in Test Cricket.
1. Shubman Gill – 269 vs England, Birmingham, 2025
Shubman Gill broke Virat Kohli’s long-standing record in 2025 with a sensational 269 against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Coming in just his third innings as Indian captains in Test Cricket, Gill’s double century made history—he became the first Asian captain to score a double ton in SENA countries. His knock stands as the highest ever by an Indian Test captain.
