From Virat Kohli’s record 256 runs to Shubman Gill’s impressive 155, this list highlights India’s top run-scorers on their Test captaincy debuts. Legendary leaders like Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar, and Dilip Vengsarkar also feature, showcasing memorable innings that set the tone for their leadership journeys.
5. Dilip Vengsarkar – 112 Runs vs West Indies, 1987
Known as one of India’s most dependable overseas performers, Dilip Vengsarkar made a gritty start to his captaincy against the West Indies in Delhi. After India’s dismal first innings total of 75, Vengsarkar led from the front with a determined 102 off 257 balls in the second innings. Despite India losing the match, his 112 runs in the game marked a courageous beginning to his leadership journey.
4. Sunil Gavaskar – 151 Runs vs New Zealand, 1976
The legendary Sunil Gavaskar debuted as Test Captaincy against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland in 1976 with an impressive 116 in the first innings. He followed it up with an unbeaten 35 in the second innings, guiding India to a commanding eight-wicket victory. Gavaskar’s composed performances set the tone for a memorable captaincy start on foreign soil.
3. Shubman Gill – 155 Runs vs England, 2025
The newest member of this elite group, Shubman Gill announced his Test Captaincy arrival with a brilliant 147 in the first innings against England at Headingley in 2025. Demonstrating class and authority, Gill’s innings lit up the match, though he fell cheaply for 8 in the second innings. He finished with a total of 155 runs on debut as captain.
2. Vijay Hazare – 164 Runs vs England, 1951
Vijay Hazare was the first Indian to score a century on his Test captaincy debut, crafting an unbeaten 164 against England in Delhi, 1951. India declared at 418/6 in their only innings, and though the match ended in a draw, Hazare’s masterclass laid a strong foundation. His 164-run total remained a record for nearly 63 years and still stands as the second-highest on this list.
1. Virat Kohli – 256 Runs vs Australia, 2014
Virat Kohli holds the record for the most runs scored by an Indian captain on debut, amassing a stunning 256 runs across both innings in the 2014 Adelaide Test against Australia. Kohli’s back-to-back centuries were a showcase of sheer brilliance and resilience. Although India narrowly lost, Kohli’s heroic effort remains one of the most iconic Test Captaincy debuts in Test cricket history.
