Are you a cricket enthusiast who is always keen to know about the little details? If yes, then here is your whole guide regarding the Indian cricket team captain list with year (ODI, Test and T20).

The Indian cricket team has a great history with several captains who have led the team with utmost dedication and enthusiasm. So, why not have a look and see how amazingly they have performed and made history for the whole nation!

Also, when cricket is not just a game in India, it is a whole emotion and passion for people who have been following it since a really long time. You must see where our team started and where it is now!

Indian Cricket Team Captain List With Year (ODI, Test and T20).

1- CK Nayudu

He led the team with whole passion and enthusiasm from 1932 – 1934 where he played 7 test matches, but was not involved in ODIs and T20s. Also, with all the respect he is considered the first captain of the Indian cricket team in the test matches. He has made history with his skills, devotion and immense hard work for the whole nation for which he is really respected by all the cricket enthusiasts!

He was known for his powerful batting and exceptional leadership skills. Nayudu captained the Indian cricket team in its first-ever Test match in 1932 against England. His passion for the game and his charismatic personality made him a beloved figure among fans and teammates alike.

2- Maharajkumar of Vizianagram

He has led the Indian cricket team from 1936 – 1936 and has played 3 test matches, with no ODIs and T20Is matches involved. He captained the Indian national team on their 1936 tour of England, but his leadership was controversial, marked by internal team conflicts and poor performance.

Vizzy’s legacy is a blend of royalty, passion for cricket, and a significant, if complicated, role in the early development of the game in India.

3- Nawab of Pataudi

He created history for the Indian cricket team by leading India to its first-ever test series win! He has been considered to be one of the most amazing cricketers who led the team from 1946 – 1955. Also, he played 3 test matches which was incredible!

People had loved the player at that time and were crazy about his skills! Also, by making his achievements he made his name in the Indian cricket history.

4- Lala Amarnath

Lala Amarnath was a legendary figure in Indian cricket, known for his exceptional talent and charismatic personality. Born in 1911, he made history by becoming the first Indian to score a Test century, a milestone he achieved against England in 1933.

Even after retiring as a player, he continued to contribute to the sport as a coach and selector, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cricket. He is known to be leading the team from 1952 – 1953 but with immense hardwork and talent which he held!

Scoring India’s first test century is what he beholds among all of them, making his name in Indian cricket history.

5- Vijay Hazare

Hazare was the first Indian batsman to score a triple century in first-class cricket, and he also became the first Indian to score centuries in both innings of a Test match, achieving this feat against Australia in 1948. Besides his prowess with the bat, Hazare captained the Indian cricket team in 14 Test matches.

He led the team with all the upgraded skills from 1951 – 1953 where he was known for his amazing talent and great work.

6- Vinoo Mankad

He is a legendary all-rounder player known for his batting and bowling skills, both! Because why not, he has shown some immense work which is really incredible for the whole nation.

He led the team from 1955 – 1959, where he performed in 6 test matches and showed great skill! People have been seeing him and his talent at that time and cheered for his great work.

7- Ghulam Ahmed

Ghulam Ahmed was a renowned Indian cricketer who made a significant mark in the world of cricket during the mid-20th century. He was a talented off-spin bowler known for his exceptional skill and sharp mind. Ghulam Ahmed played for the Indian national team from 1948 to 1959, earning a reputation as a dependable and strategic player.

He captained the Indian team in several matches and was admired for his leadership qualities. Beyond his playing career, Ghulam Ahmed contributed to cricket as an administrator, helping to shape the future of the sport in India. His dedication and passion for cricket left an enduring legacy, inspiring future generations of cricketers.

8- Polly Umrigar

Undoubtedly, one of the most amazing cricketers who held the record for the most runs in test matches for India at that time. He led the team from 1955 – 1958 and dedicatedly showed his out of the box skills!

His captaincy held a remark for the whole team and made the whole nation proud by playing at his best! In total, he performed in 8 test matches and showed some great results for the country!

9- Hemu Adhikari

This incredible player led the team from 1959 – 1960 and played 7 test matches for the Indian cricket team. He was a right-handed batsman and definitely an exceptional fielder.

He definitely showed his exceptional qualities and leadership at that time where he scored an unbeaten 114 against the formidable West Indies in 1948. Beyond his playing days, Adhikari contributed to cricket as a coach and mentor, nurturing young talent and shaping future generations. His passion for the game and commitment to excellence left a lasting impact on Indian cricket.

10- Gulabrai Ramchand

He played 4 test matches from 1960 – 1962, but was not involved in the ODI matches and T20is. But, this prominent captain for the Indian cricket team shone brightly and definitely had the incredible skills to have an upper hand for all of them.

He was admired for his amazing batting skills and to score efficient runs where it was needed the most for the whole team. So, he definitely made his space in everyone’s hearts by showing some great work at the field!

11- Nari Contractor

He led the team from 1960 – 1962, where he performed in 12 test matches and showed some great results! Contractor’s career took off in the 1950s, and he soon became the captain of the Indian cricket team. His leadership was inspiring, but his playing days were tragically cut short. In 1962, during a match against the West Indies, he was struck on the head by a bouncer from Charlie Griffith.

12- Mansoon Ali Khan Pataudi

Leading the Indian cricket team from 1962 – 1975, he played incredibly well! Also, he performed in 40 test matches where he was well-known for his amazing skills like never before in the team.

Also, he got famous for his achievement for leading India to its first overseas test series win! He made a huge impact on the reputation of the Indian team by making a great win, which was really needed at that time.

13- Ajit Wadekar

Leading the team with prominence, he captained from 1971 – 1974 and performed in 16 test matches. Also, he made his name in the Indian cricket history by leading India to its first ever test series win in England and the West Indies.

And why not, he was an incredible player which was seen by the whole wide world at that time. People got crazy for him because of his big wins made at such a crucial time.

14- Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar, often hailed as one of the greatest opening batsmen in cricket history, is a legend who left an indelible mark on the sport. Gavaskar’s illustrious career was adorned with numerous records and milestones. He was the first cricketer to surpass 10,000 runs in Test cricket, a feat that highlighted his consistency and mastery of the game.

His ability to face the fiercest bowlers with calmness and precision earned him the nickname “The Little Master.” Gavaskar’s remarkable achievements include 34 Test centuries, a record that stood for many years before being surpassed.

He performed in 47 test matches and was the very first player who scored 10,000 runs in test cricket! His achievement will still thrill a lot of players out there and that’s why considered a great player since that time. People love him still for the incredible talent that he showed.

15- Bishen Singh Bedi

He is a prominent left arm spinner and an important member of the famous Indian spin quartet! He led the team from 1976 – 1978 where he played in 22 test matches and showed some amazing skills which people loved!

His great playing skills especially as left arm spinner, made a huge impact on the other players as well. People loved him on the field and got crazy when he showed some great talent which he had.

16- Gundappa Viswanath

He captained the team in 1980 and performed only in 1 test match, but he was well-known for his stylish batting and great innings! His presence on the pitch was a sight to behold, as he seemed to dance with the cricket ball, guiding it to all corners of the field with finesse. Beyond his skills with the bat, Viswanath was admired for his sportsmanship and humility, traits that endeared him to fans and fellow players alike.

17- Kapil Dev

He is a cricket legend who has shown a number of achievements on the field! Also, one of the best captains the Indian cricket team had who was there from 1982 – 1984!

He led India to its first ever cricket world cup win in 1983! Known for playing in 34 test matches, and 74 ODIs where people got crazy about him. The most amazing player who came on the field and changed the history for the whole wide nation at that time by bringing the cup home! People threw their hearts away to him by seeing such an amazing performance for the whole team!

Cricket, being a big emotion for everyone in India, it came out as a huge thing to win the world cup in such a way, where India got its name in the history!

18- Sunil Valson

Despite not having a long international career like some of his peers, Valson’s contribution to the game is noteworthy. He made his debut for the Indian cricket team in a One Day International (ODI) against West Indies in 1983, during the Prudential World Cup. What makes Valson stand out is his perseverance and passion for the game. He led the team in the year 1985 and played a single ODI as the captain!

19- Dilip Vengsarkar

He captained the team from 1985 – 1989 where he played 10 test matches and 9 ODIs which was incredibly good! Known for his elegant strokeplay and solid technique, Vengsarkar was a mainstay in the Indian batting lineup for over a decade. His penchant for scoring runs against the best bowling attacks earned him immense respect across the cricketing world. Moreover, his leadership qualities were evident when he served as the captain of the Indian cricket team.

20- Krishnamach and Srikkanth

He captained from 1989 – 1990, where he played 4 test matches and 13 ODIs and is well known for his amazing batting style! He played in action and showed some great results for the team, where people got crazy about his batting which he did in an amazing style like no other.

21- Mohammad Azharuddin

He captained India in three cricket world cups from 1989 – 1999, and was considered to be one of the best captains in Indian history! He played for the team in 47 test matches and woah, 174 ODIs which is huge for any player! People loved him for his great skills and how he came on the field with great expectations.

22- Sachin Tendulkar

The cricket prodigy! Who can ever forget Sachin Tendulakr when it comes to talking about cricket? People still love him so much that whenever he even shows up, they go crazy! Undoubtedly, he captained the team from 1996 – 2000, and showed some of the best achievements for the whole nation.

He is definitely considered “THE GOAT”!!! We can never deny his batting style and how he has made some crucial wins for the Indian cricket team! He performed in 25 test matches and 73 ODIs where he won the hearts of the audience.

The living legend still has so many achievements we need to talk about! And how the people go crazy about him just by listening to his name. It is surreal to witness a player like him!

23- Sourav Ganguly

He instilled a new aggressive and fearless approach in Indian cricket where people loved him like crazy! He captained from 2000 – 2005 and played 49 test matches and 146 ODIs. As the former captain of the Indian cricket team, Ganguly led by example, instilling confidence and passion in his teammates. Under his captaincy, India witnessed some historic victories, including the memorable series win in Australia in 2001. Beyond his cricketing skills, Ganguly’s charm and wit endeared him to fans worldwide. His contributions to Indian cricket extend beyond his playing days, as he continued to serve the sport in various administrative roles.

24- Rahul Dravid

Who can forget the solid batting power which the amazing player has! He is a great player and captain which the Indian cricket team had! He captained from 2005 – 2007 and played 25 test matches, also 79 ODIs. People loved him on the field because of his great talent which he beholds!

25- Virender Sehwag

His talent and skills spoke for him! He is known for his explosive batting at the top of the order and people have immense love for the player! He played 4 test matches and 12 ODIs where he gave some great performances which the audience loved!

26- Anil Kumble

He captained for the team from 2007 – 2008, where he played 14 test matches and 2 ODIs and 1 T20Is as well! He is definitely a legendary spinner and known to be India’s highest wicket-taker on the field! People know him because of his great talent and skills which he beholds and how took on every match!

27- Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, affectionately known as “MSD” or “Captain Cool,” is a cricket legend who captured the hearts of millions with his charisma and skill. Hailing from Ranchi, India, Dhoni rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most iconic figures in the sport. His journey is a testament to hard work and determination.

Dhoni’s prowess behind the stumps as a wicketkeeper was matched only by his fearless batting style, capable of turning the tide of any match with his explosive hitting. However, it was his astute leadership that truly set him apart. Under his captaincy, the Indian cricket team achieved unprecedented success, including winning the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011.

28- Gautam Gambhir

He captained the team from 2010 – 1012 and played 6 test matches and 6 ODIs. He is also one of the finest players in cricket history. He played a very prominent role in India’s 2011 world cup win which is remembered by the people till now. The fans still love him for the amazing skills and talent which he comes with.

29- Virat Kohli

He is a captain which India loves right now! The team played incredibly well under his captaincy from 2014 – 2022 and definitely, crazy about the cricket legend! They call him “THE GOAT” because of his playing style, his exceptional batting and aggressive captaincy!
He is loved by the whole nation and definitely people go crazy about him whenever he comes on the field with his bat.

30- Rohit Sharma

One more amazing captain for whom people are cheering out loud everytime! He is the current captain of the Indian cricket team and led India to the ICC World test championship win in 2021!
Rohit Sharma, often hailed as the “Hitman” of Indian cricket, is a true maestro with the bat. With his effortless stroke play and impeccable timing, he has carved a niche for himself in the cricketing world. Born on April 30, 1987, in Bansod, Maharashtra, Rohit’s journey from a young boy with big dreams to one of India’s most celebrated cricketers is nothing short of inspirational. His knack for scoring big runs in crucial matches has earned him the reputation of being a big-match player.