Top 5 Indians with Century on Test Captaincy Debut

In Test cricket, captaincy isn’t just about tactics—it’s a test of character. Scoring a century on captaincy debut is a rare and powerful statement, blending leadership with performance under pressure.

Top 5 Indians with Century on Test Captaincy Debut, Only five Indians have achieved this feat, from Vijay Hazare in the 1950s to Virat Kohli and the newest entrant, Shubman Gill in 2025. Each hundred marked the dawn of a new chapter in Indian cricket.

Let`s take a look at the Top 5 Indians with Century on Test Captaincy Debut:

5. Shubman Gill – Century vs England, 2025 (Headingley)

Fast forward to 2025—Shubman Gill, the heir to India’s Test throne after Rohit Sharma’s retirement, silenced doubters in style. Facing England at Headingley, he scored a composed century under testing swing conditions. This knock not only marked a strong start to his leadership but also earned him a spot among the Top 5 Indians with Century on Test Captaincy Debut.

Gill’s Captaincy Debut Innings (Stat Table)

Opponent	Venue	Year	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Result
England	Headingley	2025	127*	175	16	1	Match Ongoing

4. Virat Kohli – 115 & 141 vs Australia, 2014 (Adelaide)

Few debuts match the intensity of Virat Kohli’s captaincy launch in Adelaide, 2014. With MS Dhoni sidelined, Kohli led boldly—scoring 115 in the first innings and a fearless 141 in the second. Though India lost a thriller, his twin tons signaled the rise of an aggressive new era, earning him a place among the Top 5 Indians with Century on Test Captaincy Debut.

Kohli’s Captaincy Debut Innings (Stat Table)

Opponent	Venue	Year	1st Innings	2nd Innings	4s	6s	Result
Australia	Adelaide	2014	115	141	28	1	India Lost

3. Dilip Vengsarkar – 102 vs West Indies, 1987 (Delhi)

Dilip Vengsarkar’s captaincy debut in Delhi, 1987, came against a brutal West Indian pace attack—a true trial by fire. After India crumbled for 75 in the first innings, Vengsarkar responded with a gritty 102 off 257 balls in the second. Though India lost, his knock showcased resilience and class, securing his spot among the Top 5 Indians with Century on Test Captaincy Debut.

Vengsarkar’s Captaincy Debut Innings (Stat Table)

Opponent	Venue	Year	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Result
West Indies	Delhi	1987	102	257	12	0	India Lost

2. Sunil Gavaskar – 116 vs New Zealand, 1976 (Auckland)

In 1976, the ‘Little Master’ Sunil Gavaskar began his captaincy journey against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland. Unfazed by swing-friendly conditions, he crafted a calm and composed 116, laying the groundwork for a dominant Indian win. His stellar start earned him a place among the Top 5 Indians with Century on Test Captaincy Debut.

Gavaskar’s Captaincy Debut Innings (Stat Table)

Opponent	Venue	Year	Runs	Balls (approx)	4s	6s	Result
New Zealand	Auckland	1976	116	250	15	0	India Won

1. Vijay Hazare – 164 vs England, 1951 (Delhi)

Vijay Hazare, the calm and elegant right-hander, was the first Indian to score a century on Test captaincy debut. Leading India against England in Delhi, 1951, he crafted a masterful unbeaten 164*, steering the team to 418/6 declared. Though the match ended in a draw, his poise against a quality English attack secured his place among the Top 5 Indians with Century on Test Captaincy Debut.

Hazare’s Captaincy Debut Innings (Stat Table)

Opponent	Venue	Year	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Result
England	Delhi	1951	164*	313	17	0	Draw

Conclusion

Scoring a century on Test captaincy debut is a rare blend of personal brilliance and leadership promise. From Vijay Hazare’s calm authority to Shubman Gill’s fearless beginning, each of these five Indians made an unforgettable statement in their very first outing as captain. Their knocks weren’t just about runs—they were declarations of intent, resilience, and the ability to lead from the front. These innings now stand as iconic chapters in Indian cricket’s leadership legacy, defining the Top 5 Indians with Century on Test Captaincy Debut.

FAQ`s

Q1: Who was the first Indian to score a century on Test captaincy debut?

A: Vijay Hazare was the first Indian to achieve this feat, scoring an unbeaten 164* against England in Delhi in 1951.

Q2: Did Virat Kohli score a century on his Test captaincy debut?

A: Yes, Virat Kohli scored centuries in both innings (115 and 141) during his captaincy debut against Australia in Adelaide, 2014.

Q3: How many Indians have scored a century on their Test captaincy debut?

A: So far, five Indian cricketers have scored a century on their Test captaincy debut.