The top five Indian captains with the most Test centuries have shown exceptional batting skills while leading the team. These leaders not only inspired with their captaincy but also delivered consistently high individual performances. Their ability to score centuries under pressure significantly contributed to India’s success in Test cricket, setting benchmarks for future captain-batsmen to aspire to.
MS Dhoni – 5 Centuries
MS Dhoni, the former Indian wicket-keeper batsman, scored six Test centuries throughout his career, with five of those coming as the Indian captain. Dhoni led India in 60 Test matches between 2008 and 2014, accumulating 24 half-centuries during his captaincy. His highest Test score as captain was a magnificent 224 runs, achieved against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in 2013.
Sachin Tendulkar – 7 Centuries
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar played 200 Tests for India and captained the side in 25 of those matches. Serving as captain from 1996 to 2000, Tendulkar scored seven centuries and an equal number of fifties across 43 innings. He amassed 2,054 runs at an impressive average of 51.35 during his time leading the Indian Test team.
Mohammad Azharuddin – 9 Centuries
Mohammad Azharuddin captained India in 47 Tests from 1990 to 1999. The right-handed batsman notched nine centuries and nine half-centuries in 68 innings under his leadership. His highest score as captain was 192 runs, made against New Zealand in Auckland in 1990.
Sunil Gavaskar – 11 Centuries
Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s greatest batsmen, captained the national team from 1976 to 1985, leading India in 47 Test matches. During his captaincy, Gavaskar scored 11 centuries and 14 fifties in 74 innings, accumulating 3,449 runs at a remarkable average of 50.72.
Virat Kohli – 20 Centuries
Topping the list is Virat Kohli, who captained India in 68 Test matches from 2014 to 2022. The right-handed batsman scored 20 centuries and 18 half-centuries in 113 innings as captain. His highest Test score, an unbeaten 254 against South Africa in Pune in 2019, was achieved while leading the team. Kohli retired from Test cricket in May 2025.
