Four Indian captains have suffered four or more defeats in home Test matches.
The captain's role in Test cricket is the most important to the team's success. While away defeats sometimes spell the end, home defeats are often unacceptable to fans and governing bodies, and often result in the sacking of the captain. At home, expectations are high to win the Test match against any opponent.
When we talk about Indian cricket, the country has been blessed with some great Test captains who have led the national team for long periods of time. These Indian captains have been instrumental in shaping their team's journey in cricket with their incredible leadership qualities. His leadership has helped the Asian giants achieve numerous feats in Test cricket and make India an indomitable force, mainly at home.
However, there have been a few occasions when top Indian captains faced setbacks and lost test matches and series at home.
In this regard, let us take a look at the Indian captains who have suffered the most losses in Tests at home.
Top 8 Indian Captains Who Lose Most Test Matches at Home:
8. Sachin Tendulkar – 3 defeats
Sachin Tendulkar is arguably the greatest Test batsman of all time and holds the record for most runs and most centuries in this format. However, his record as India's Test captain has been disappointing. Sachin captained the team for two terms between 1996 and 2000.
Under Sachin's captaincy, India played 12 Test matches at home. Of these matches, they only won four, suffered three defeats and tied the other five.
7. Sourav Ganguly – 3 losses
Former opener Sourav Ganguly has been hailed as the man who instilled courage and firm conviction to win in Indian cricket.
Ganguly led the Indian team in 21 home Test matches. Of these, India won 10 Tests, suffered three defeats and eight matches were drawn.
6. MS Dhoni – 3 defeats
MS Dhoni is one of the best Indian captains of all time. Dhoni has led India to three ICC white-ball titles: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
In Test cricket, India rose to number one in the ICC rankings under Dhoni's captaincy but then suffered 0-4 defeats in England and Australia. But Dhoni has a proud home record in Test cricket.
Under Dhoni's captaincy, India played 31 Test matches at home, winning 21 and losing only three. Six home matches have been drawn under Dhoni's captaincy. The only major blip in Dhoni's Test captaincy record at home is the 2012 series loss to England.
5. Bishan Singh Bedi – 3 defeats
Legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi has captained the Indian team at home in just eight Test matches.
The team led by Bedi lost three games and won many at home. The other two tests are plotted.
4. Rohit Sharma – 4 losses
Rohit Sharma is one of the most successful Indian leaders in various fields. Under his captaincy, the Asian giants lifted the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup trophy in Barbados and finished runners-up in the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2021-23 ICC World Test Championship.
However, Rohit's record as a Test captain has been criticised, especially as India lost a home series after 12 years by losing to New Zealand.
In 15 Test matches under Rohit Sharma's captaincy at home, the Indian team lost four Tests and won 10, with one Test ending in a draw.
3. Kapil Dev – 4 losses
Captain Kapil Dev, the 1983 World Cup winner, had a poor record as Indian captain in Test cricket at home.
Of 20 matches played in India, the team led by Kapil Dev only won two matches and suffered four defeats. 13 of those 20 Test matches ended in a draw, while one ended in a draw.
2. Muhammad Azhar Al-Din – 4 defeats
Former batsman Mohammad Azharuddin has a good record as India's Test captain. Under his leadership, India has performed particularly well at home.
He led India in 20 home Test matches, of which the Asian team recorded 12 wins, three draws and lost four matches.
1. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi – 9 defeats
Late Indian cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi lost the most Test matches as Indian captain at home.
Pataudi led India in 27 home Test matches. Of them, India won six matches and suffered nine defeats. 12 tests were withdrawn.
(All statistics updated as of October 27, 2024)
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