The five Indian Test captains with the best win rates in Australia

The top 5 Indian captains with the highest Test win percentages in Australia

5. Sourav Ganguly: The Leader Who Brought Grit and Resolve to the Team

During Sourav Ganguly's tenure as India’s Test captain in Australia from 2001 to 2004, he transformed India's overseas performance. Ganguly led India in four Tests, achieving one victory, one defeat, and two draws, resulting in a 25% win rate. Known for his aggressive and resilient leadership, he played a key role in helping India secure a series draw in 2003-04, marking a departure from years of struggles abroad. Ganguly's strategic approach and determined attitude won respect and redefined India as a competitive force on foreign grounds. His legacy as a tough, balanced leader is reflected in his 1-1 record with two draws in Australia.

4. Virat Kohli: Raising the Bar in Australia with an Intense and Aggressive Style

Virat Kohli led India in seven Test matches in Australia from 2014 to 2020, securing two wins, two losses, and three draws, giving him a win rate of 28.57%. Renowned for his bold leadership style, Kohli infused the team with a fearless mindset on foreign grounds, standing up to Australia on their home soil. His captaincy debut in 2014 nearly saw India achieve a remarkable chase in Adelaide. In the 2018-19 series, he successfully led India to their first-ever series victory in Australia. Kohli’s time as captain in Australia symbolized a shift toward a more assertive, challenging approach in overseas matches.

3. Sunil Gavaskar: Leading India’s First Strong Campaign Abroad

Sunil Gavaskar captained India on a challenging tour of Australia from 1979 to 1981, achieving a record of one win, one loss, and one draw in three matches, with a win rate of 33.33%. His leadership played a crucial role in instilling a fighting spirit in the team, highlighted by a memorable victory in Melbourne in 1981. Gavaskar’s calm yet resolute style enabled India to stand up to a dominant Australian side, securing their first win in Australia in nearly ten years. His tenure as captain is remembered for his resilience and strategic skill on difficult overseas tours.

2. Bishan Singh Bedi: A Hard-Fought Series in Australia During the 1970s

Bishan Singh Bedi led India through the challenging 1977-78 tour of Australia, captaining the team in five matches with a record of two wins and three losses, resulting in a 40% win rate. Although India lost the series 2-3, Bedi’s leadership brought a fierce competitive spirit, pushing the strong Australian team to its limits. Under his guidance, India achieved two impressive Test victories, though Australia ultimately took the series. Bedi's tenure as captain in Australia is remembered for its bold, risk-taking approach, setting a precedent for future Indian captains in Australia.

1. Ajinkya Rahane: India’s Test Captain with the Highest Win Percentage in Australia

Ajinkya Rahane led India to a remarkable record in Australia, boasting the highest win percentage of any Indian Test captain. Between 2017 and 2021, he captained three matches, winning two and drawing one, with no losses. Rahane’s leadership was crucial in India’s memorable 2020-21 series victory, showcasing resilience after a heavy defeat in the first Test. His win rate of 66.67% stands as the best for an Indian captain in Australia. Rahane’s composed and strategic guidance was instrumental in steering a young team to triumph, securing his place as a key figure in Indian cricket history.