In Test cricket, captaincy is not just a position—it’s a responsibility that comes with pressure, expectations, and leadership. When a cricketer becomes captain, he is expected to perform with both mind and bat. Scoring a century in the very first match as Test captain is a rare and powerful moment. It shows confidence, maturity, and the ability to lead from the front. Only five Indian cricketers have achieved this special feat in Test history. Their performances set a strong tone for their leadership journey. Here are the Top 5 Indians to Score a Century on Test Captaincy Debut—batsmen who created history the moment they took charge.
Here Are Top 5 Indians to Score a Century on Test Captaincy Debut
5. Shubman Gill – 127* vs England, 2025 (Headingley)
Top 5 Indians to Score a Century on Test Captaincy Debut, In 2025, Shubman Gill took over as India’s Test captain after Rohit Sharma retired. Many doubted his readiness. But in his very first Test as captain at Headingley, Gill proved his class by scoring 127 not out under challenging conditions. Swinging deliveries, a strong England pace attack, and gloomy skies didn’t bother him. His 175-ball knock included 16 fours and one six. Gill showed composure beyond his years. This innings not only silenced critics but also inspired his team. He batted with maturity, played smart cricket, and showed the world that he was ready to carry Indian cricket forward. It was more than just a century—it was a captain’s message to the world and he is the Top 5 Indians to Score a Century on Test Captaincy Debut.
Gill’s Captaincy Debut Performance
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Span | 2025 |
| Matches | 1 |
| Runs | 127* |
| Balls | 175 |
| 4s / 6s | 16 / 1 |
| Venue | Headingley |
| Opponent | England |
| Result | Match Ongoing |
4. Virat Kohli – 115 & 141 vs Australia, 2014 (Adelaide)
Top 5 Indians to Score a Century on Test Captaincy Debut, Virat Kohli became India’s stand-in Test captain in 2014 when MS Dhoni was injured. The stage was big—Adelaide, against Australia. Kohli responded like a warrior. He scored 115 in the first innings and a powerful 141 in the second. His 28 fours and a six were all aggressive strokes played with purpose. India lost the match narrowly, but Kohli won everyone’s heart. His fearless batting defined the new Indian team under his leadership—aggressive, ambitious, and ready to take on any challenge. Kohli’s captaincy debut remains one of the best in Test cricket. His performance inspired a new generation of Indian cricket and he is the Top 5 Indians to Score a Century on Test Captaincy Debut.
Kohli’s Captaincy Debut Performance
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Span | 2014 |
| Matches | 1 |
| 1st Innings | 115 |
| 2nd Innings | 141 |
| 4s / 6s | 28 / 1 |
| Venue | Adelaide |
| Opponent | Australia |
| Result | India Lost |
3. Dilip Vengsarkar – 102 vs West Indies, 1987 (Delhi)
Top 5 Indians to Score a Century on Test Captaincy Debut, In 1987, Dilip Vengsarkar took over as India’s captain against the mighty West Indies. It was a trial by fire. India was bowled out for just 75 runs in the first innings. In the second innings, Vengsarkar showed his mettle, scoring a gritty 102 from 257 balls. Facing fearsome pace from legends like Malcolm Marshall and Courtney Walsh, he stayed calm. Though India lost the match, Vengsarkar’s innings was an example of leadership under pressure. He showed that a captain must stand tall when the team needs him most. This knock remains one of the most courageous in Indian Test history.
Vengsarkar’s Captaincy Debut Performance
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Span | 1987 |
| Matches | 1 |
| Runs | 102 |
| Balls | 257 |
| 4s / 6s | 12 / 0 |
| Venue | Delhi |
| Opponent | West Indies |
| Result | India Lost |
2. Sunil Gavaskar – 116 vs New Zealand, 1976 (Auckland)
Top 5 Indians to Score a Century on Test Captaincy Debut, In 1976, Sunil Gavaskar captained India for the first time in a Test match against New Zealand at Auckland. Known as the “Little Master,” Gavaskar played a beautiful innings of 116 runs. Facing swinging conditions and a disciplined bowling attack, he batted with control, defending when needed and attacking smartly. His 116 laid the foundation for India’s victory. It was a captain’s knock—full of patience, confidence, and timing. Gavaskar’s debut as captain was memorable not only for the win but also for the calm leadership he displayed. It marked the beginning of a golden era in Indian cricket.
Gavaskar’s Captaincy Debut Performance
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Span | 1976 |
| Matches | 1 |
| Runs | 116 |
| Balls (approx) | 250 |
| 4s / 6s | 15 / 0 |
| Venue | Auckland |
| Opponent | New Zealand |
| Result | India Won |
1. Vijay Hazare – 164* vs England, 1951 (Delhi)
Top 5 Indians to Score a Century on Test Captaincy Debut, Vijay Hazare became India’s Test captain in 1951 and created history in his first match itself. Facing England in Delhi, Hazare scored a brilliant 164 not out, guiding India to a total of 418/6 declared. He faced 313 balls and hit 17 boundaries. His timing, balance, and calm presence at the crease made it a textbook Test knock. Hazare’s innings was a message—India had a captain who led with his bat. Although the match ended in a draw, his century set the tone for a confident leadership style. He was the first Indian captain to score a century on debut—and one of the finest.
Hazare’s Captaincy Debut Performance
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Span | 1951 |
| Matches | 1 |
| Runs | 164* |
| Balls | 313 |
| 4s / 6s | 17 / 0 |
| Venue | Delhi |
| Opponent | England |
| Result | Draw |
Conclusion
Scoring a century on Test captaincy debut is no ordinary feat. It demands skill, courage, and mental strength. From Vijay Hazare’s graceful 164* in 1951 to Shubman Gill’s composed 127* in 2025, these five cricketers set high standards right from their first game as leaders. Their knocks weren’t just about runs—they defined leadership moments and inspired teams. Each innings proved that these players were ready to lead India with responsibility and pride. As new captains emerge in Indian cricket, these performances continue to inspire future generations and Top 5 Indians to Score a Century on Test Captaincy Debut.
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