List of Indian Captains with a Test Series win in England

A new era of Team India’s Test cricket is all set to begin on 20 June 2025, as the first game of the five-match Test series against England kicks off. Under India’s newly appointed Test skipper, Shubman Gill, it will be a huge challenge for the relatively young and inexperienced Indian side, especially considering that historically, England has not been an easy place for visiting teams, particularly Asian sides. 

Advertisment

Since 1932, India has toured England multiple times but has won a Test series there only three times, each under a different captain. So, in his debut series as Test skipper, it will be a mammoth task for Gill to lead the side to glory.

In 1971, Ajit Wadekar led Team India to their first-ever Test series win in England. The first two matches, at Lord’s and Manchester, were drawn. But at The Oval, India secured a famous win to seal the series 1-0. Bhagwath Chandrasekhar was the standout performer, taking a six-wicket haul.

Then, in 1986, Kapil Dev guided India to a memorable 2-0 Test series victory. After lifting the World Cup in England in 1983, Kapil once again showed what India was capable of by winning this Test series. India defeated England at Lord’s and Headingley, while the third match was drawn.

Advertisment

The third and most recent series win came in 2007 under the leadership of Rahul Dravid. That team was filled with superstars like Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar. India’s famous win came at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, while the matches at Lord’s and The Oval ended in draws. With a 1-0 scoreline, Dravid’s men created history.

Both Sourav Ganguly in 2002 and Virat Kohli in 2021 came close to winning a series in England but ultimately fell short. Now, for Shubman Gill, finishing on the right side of the result will be a monumental achievement—one that would make him only the fourth Indian captain to win a Test series in England.   

Here is the list of Indian captains who have won a Test series in England

Advertisment

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!