Top 8 Indian captains to lose most home test matches

Four Indian captains have suffered four or more test match defeats at home.

A captain’s role in test cricket is the most crucial for the success of a team. While away losses are sometimes put to bed, losses at home are often unacceptable by the fans and the governing bodies, many a time resulting in the axing of the skipper. At home, the expectations are high to win the test match against any opposition.

When we talk about Indian cricket, the nation has been blessed with a few great test captains who have led the national side for long periods of time. These Indian captains have been instrumental in shaping their team’s cricketing journey with their brilliant leadership qualities. Their captaincy helped the Asian Giants achieve several feats in test cricket and make India a mostly indomitable force at home.

However, there have been a few occasions when even the finest Indian captains faced setbacks and lost test matches and series at home.

On that note, let’s take a look at the Indian captains who suffered the most test defeats at home.

Top eight Indian captains to lose most home test matches:

8. Sachin Tendulkar – 3 defeats

Sachin Tendulkar is arguably the greatest test batsman of all time, holding the record of most runs and most centuries in this format. However, his record as India’s test captain was underwhelming. Sachin captained the side in two stints between 1996 and 2000.

Under Sachin’s leadership, India played 12 test matches at home. Out of these, they won only four games and suffered three defeats with the other five games being drawn.

7. Sourav Ganguly – 3 defeats

Former opener Sourav Ganguly is hailed as the man who instilled fearlessness and a strong belief in winning in Indian cricket.

Ganguly captained the Indian side in 21 test matches at home. From these, India won 10 tests and suffered three losses while eight matches were drawn.

6. MS Dhoni – 3 defeats

MS Dhoni is one of the greatest Indian captains of all time. Dhoni led India to three ICC white-ball titles: 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy.

In test cricket, India rose the No. 1 ICC ranking under Dhoni, but later suffered 0-4 thrashings in England and Australia. But, Dhoni has a proud home record in test cricket.

Under the leadership of Dhoni, India played 31 home test matches, winning 21 games and losing only three games. Six matches at home were drawn under Dhoni. The only major blip in Dhoni’s home test captaincy record is the 2012 series loss to England.

5. Bishan Singh Bedi – 3 defeats

Legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi captained the Indian side at home in just eight test matches.

The Bedi-led side lost three games and won as many matches at home; the other two tests were drawn.

4. Kapil Dev – 4 defeats

The 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev had a dismal record as Indian captain in test cricket on home soil.

Out of 20 matches in India, the Kapil Dev-led side won just two games and suffered four defeats. 13 of those 20 test matches were drawn while one match ended up tied.

3. Mohammad Azharuddin – 4 defeats

Former batsman Mohammad Azharuddin has a fine record as India’s test skipper. Under him, India did particularly well at home.

He captained India in 20 test matches at home, out of which, the Asian side recorded 12 victories, three draws and lost four games.

2. Rohit Sharma – 5 defeats

Rohit Sharma is one of the most successful Indian captains across formats. Under him, the Asian Giants lifted the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy in Barbados and finished as runners-up in the ODI World Cup 2023 and ICC World Test Championship 2021-23.

However, Rohit’s record as a test skipper has come under criticism, especially with India conceding a series loss at home after 12 years by losing to New Zealand.

In 16 test matches under Rohit Sharma at home, the Indian side lost five tests while winning 10, with one test ending in a draw.

1. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi – 9 defeats

Late Indian cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi has lost the most test matches as an Indian captain on home soil.

Pataudi captained India in 27 tests home test matches. Out of these, India won six games and suffered nine defeats; 12 tests were drawn.

(All stats updated till 3rd November, 2024)

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