The Indian cricket team is one of the most dominant forces in international cricket across all formats. In Test cricket. India has consistently been among the top-ranked teams, with a strong pace attack complementing their world-class batting lineup. They have secured historic overseas victories and played in multiple ICC World Test Championship finals. In ODIs, India boasts a formidable record, having won multiple ICC trophies, including the 1983 and 2011 World Cups, and consistently performing well in global tournaments.
Their aggressive and balanced squad makes them a top contender in every ICC event. In T20Is, India is a powerhouse with a deep pool of explosive batters and skillful bowlers, making them a dominant force in the shortest format. With stars across all disciplines, India remains a cricketing superpower that is capable of winning in any condition worldwide
Here’s a list of the top 5 Indian players with the most wins as Indian captains across formats:
1: MS Dhoni (178 wins)
One of the greatest captains in cricket history, MS Dhoni is known for his unmatched composure, tactical brilliance, and ability to handle pressure. The wicketkeeper led India from 2007 to 2016 in limited-overs and until 2014 in Tests. He instilled a fearless and aggressive mindset within the team. Dhoni was a master at reading the game, making unorthodox yet effective decisions, and backing young talents.
MS Dhoni managed to secure 178 wins for the Indian Cricket Team across all formats. Under his captaincy, India won the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, making him the only captain to win all three ICC white-ball tournaments.
2: Virat Kohli (135 wins)
One of the greatest batters in cricket history, Virat Kohli India’s approach to cricket with his aggressive, intense, and fitness-driven leadership. As captain from 2017 to 2021, Kohli emphasized a strong work ethic and an ultra-competitive mindset, pushing the team to play with unmatched intensity. His impact was most evident in Test cricket, where he led India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia (2018-19) and multiple dominant performances overseas.
Virat Kohli managed to secure 135 wins for the Indian Cricket Team across all formats. He did not secure an ICC trophy, but his leadership ensured India’s consistency in big tournaments, and his aggressive approach helped shape one of the best fast-bowling attacks in Indian cricket history.
3: Mohammad Azharuddin (104 wins)
Mohammad Azharuddin led India through most of the 1990s, which was a crucial period in Indian cricket’s evolution. His captaincy was marked by his calm yet authoritative demeanor, leading India to significant victories, particularly in ODIs. Azharuddin’s leadership helped India develop into a strong home side, dominating visiting teams with spin-friendly conditions.
Mohammad Azharuddin managed to secure 104 wins for the Indian Cricket Team across all formats. He captained India in three consecutive World Cups (1992, 1996, and 1999), with the highlight being India’s semi-final finish in the 1996 Cricket World Cup.
4: Rohit Sharma (98 wins)
Current-generation Indian captain, Rohit Sharma is known for his calm yet proactive leadership. He has the ability to make smart bowling changes, adapt strategies mid-game, and maintain a balanced team environment. Since taking over full-time captaincy in 2022, he has led India with a mix of aggression and composure. With a deep understanding of match scenarios, Rohit has played a key role in shaping India’s approach in white-ball cricket.
Rohit Sharma managed to secure 98 wins for the Indian Cricket Team across all formats. His biggest triumph came when he captained India to the 2024 ICC T20I World Cup title and guided the team to the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final, where India remained unbeaten until the final.
5: Sourav Ganguly (97 wins)
India’s one of the greatest left-arm batters, Sourav Ganguly was known for his aggressive and fearless attitude within the team. He rebuilt the squad by backing young talents like Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, and Harbhajan Singh. Ganguly promoted an attacking brand of cricket, especially in overseas conditions, making India a formidable opponent abroad.
Sourav Ganguly managed to secure 97 wins for the Indian Cricket Team across all formats. Under his leadership, India reached the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup final, shared the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy with Sri Lanka, and famously defeated Australia in the 2001 Test series, ending their 16-match winning streak.