List of Indian Captains with Double Centuries in Test Cricket

Scoring a century in Test cricket is a cherished milestone for any batter—but converting it into a double century is a mark of true dominance and resilience. Achieving that feat while carrying the burden of captaincy makes it even more remarkable.

Over the years, India has produced some outstanding leaders who have not only inspired their teams but also delivered unforgettable performances with the bat. On July 3, 2025, at Edgbaston, Shubman Gill etched his name in history by smashing a sensational 269 against England. With that innings, he became the first Asian captain to score a double century in the challenging SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries. It wasn’t just his maiden double ton as captain—it also became the highest individual Test score by an Indian skipper.

While several Indian batters have recorded double centuries in Test cricket, only a few have done so while leading the side. Let’s take a look at the elite list of Indian captains who have reached this rare milestone.

Indian Captains to Score Double Centuries in Test Cricket

1. Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi

Before Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi assumed leadership, India had already seen 13 Test captains, none of whom managed to achieve a particular landmark. Two years into his captaincy, Pataudi accomplished what had eluded all his predecessors — he became the first Indian captain to score a double century in Test cricket.

In the 1964 Delhi Test against England, the elegant right-hander crafted a sublime unbeaten 203. His innings, marked by grace and determination, featured 23 boundaries and 2 sixes. It remained the only double century of his Test career, yet it stood as a defining moment — not just for Pataudi, but for Indian cricket leadership.

2. Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar scored his only Test double century as captain in 1978, leading India against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium. True to his reputation, Gavaskar led from the front at a time when the rest of the Indian batting lineup struggled against a strong West Indies bowling attack. 

The Mumbai opener shouldered the responsibility and played a brilliant knock, scoring 205 runs. His innings included 29 boundaries and 2 sixes, a standout performance that kept India in the fight.

3. Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar scored six double centuries in his illustrious Test career, and the first of those came while he was leading India in Ahmedabad.

Although Tendulkar had already scored five centuries as captain, he turned his sixth into something special—a commanding double ton. The occasion was the second Test of a three-match series against New Zealand in late 1999, with India already 1-0 up.

Coming in at 102 for 2, Tendulkar crafted a magnificent 217, showcasing his trademark patience, precision, and flair. His monumental knock propelled India to a mammoth total of 583 for 7 declared.

While the match eventually ended in a draw, Tendulkar's innings gave India a psychological edge and reinforced his stature—not just as a prolific batter, but also as a determined leader.

4. MS Dhoni

In early 2013, MS Dhoni surpassed his predecessor's benchmark in emphatic fashion. Taking the field against Australia in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Dhoni was in sublime form. India were comfortably placed at 196 for 4 when the skipper walked in—and what followed was a masterclass in Test batting.

Dhoni unleashed a commanding innings, amassing 224 runs studded with 24 boundaries and 6 towering sixes. His knock not only strengthened India’s dominance but also set a remarkable record—the highest score ever by a wicketkeeper-captain in Test cricket, a feat that still stands today.

5. Virat Kohli

Did you know Virat Kohli has scored not one, not two, but seven Test double centuries—and impressively, all of them came while he was leading Team India?

His first double ton, a commanding 200, came against the West Indies in 2016. He didn't stop there—later that year, he piled on two more: 211 vs New Zealand and 235 vs England.

Kohli carried that form into 2017, beginning the year with a 204 against Bangladesh, and ending it in style with two more doubles—213 and 243, both against Sri Lanka.

Then in 2019, he produced his career-best performance in Test cricket: a magnificent 254 not out against South Africa, powering India to a dominant victory.

Each of these innings was a statement—not just of skill, but of leadership. Seven double hundreds, all as captain—a true testament to Virat Kohli’s legacy in Test cricket.

6. Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill is the latest name to join this elite list, and he’s made an unforgettable entrance. Unlike others, Gill made an immediate impact in just his second Test as India’s captain.

He kicked off his leadership stint with an impressive 147 in the first Test. But it was in the second match that Gill truly made his mark.

Batting on a superb wicket in Birmingham, Gill was in complete command. He crafted a masterful 269 — the highest-ever score by an Indian Test captain. His innings was laced with 30 elegant boundaries and 3 towering sixes, a display of both class and authority.

Cover Credits - BCCI Official