Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, India are poised to rewrite history in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, aiming to win the prestigious series for the third consecutive time on Australian soil, highlighting India’s dominance in Test cricket against Australia. Rohit’s leadership will be pivotal in ensuring India remains competitive in Australia, with the side looking to continue their successful run after wins in 2018-19 and 2021-22. His tactical decisions and ability to inspire the team will be crucial to overcome Australia’s home advantage and further cement India’s legacy in Test cricket.
The crucial role of captaincy in India’s success against Australia
Captaincy is a crucial quality when it comes to taking on a challenging team like Australia on their home turf. Rohit’s leadership will need to be calm, strategic, and inspiring to guide India to victory in this high-stakes series. The Australian team, known for its aggressive and relentless approach, will not make it easy for the Indian squad.
Rohit’s experience and tactical awareness, both with the bat and as a leader, will be key in setting the right field placements, making timely bowling changes, and ensuring team morale stays high throughout the series. A captain’s ability to maintain composure under pressure, motivate players, and make pivotal decisions at the right moments is essential to India’s hopes of creating history in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
5 Indian skippers with the most successful Test win percentages in Australia
5. Sourav Ganguly: The Captain Who Instilled Grit and Determination
Sourav Ganguly’s tenure as Test captain in Australia from 2001 to 2004 marked a turning point in India’s overseas performances. Ganguly captained India in four Tests, securing one win, one loss, and two draws, with a win percentage of 25%. His leadership style, characterized by aggression and resilience, helped India draw the 2003-04 series, breaking years of Indian underachievement abroad. Ganguly’s attitude and strategic moves earned him respect and established India as a formidable team on foreign soil. His legacy as a gritty leader was evident in his balanced record of 1-1 with two draws in Australia.
4. Virat Kohli: Setting New Standards in Australia with a Fierce Approach
Virat Kohli captained India in seven Tests in Australia between 2014 and 2020, with a record of two wins, two losses, and three draws, achieving a win percentage of 28.57%. Known for his aggressive leadership style, Kohli brought a fearless attitude to the Indian team on foreign soil, challenging Australia on their home turf. His first series as captain in 2014 saw him almost lead India to a historic chase in Adelaide. In the 2018-19 series, he guided India to a breakthrough series win. Kohli’s tenure in Australia marked a shift towards a more confident, combative approach in overseas matches.
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3. Sunil Gavaskar: India’s First Competitive Tour Under Sunny
Sunil Gavaskar led India on a tough tour of Australia from 1979 to 1981. In three matches as captain, Gavaskar’s record included one win, one loss, and one draw, yielding a win percentage of 33.33%. Gavaskar’s leadership was instrumental in India’s fighting spirit during the series, which included a memorable win in Melbourne in 1981. His calm yet determined approach helped India push back against the dominant Australian side, achieving India’s first win in Australia in nearly a decade. Gavaskar’s legacy as captain is marked by his resilience and tactical acumen during challenging overseas tours.
2. Bishan Singh Bedi: A Close Battle Down Under in the 1970s
Bishan Singh Bedi captained India during the challenging 1977-78 tour to Australia. Leading the team in five matches, Bedi’s record included two wins and three losses, with a win percentage of 40%. Despite a 2-3 series loss, Bedi’s team showed competitive spirit, giving the formidable Australian side a tough fight. His leadership helped India secure notable victories in two Tests, but Australia managed to clinch the series. Bedi’s tenure as captain in Australia remains memorable for its aggressive approach and willingness to take risks, setting a standard for future Indian captains touring Australia.
1. Ajinkya Rahane: India’s Most Successful Test Captain in Australia by Win Percentage
Ajinkya Rahane led India to an impressive record in Australia, achieving the best win percentage among Indian Test captains. He captained three matches between 2017 and 2021, winning two of them and drawing one, without any losses. Under Rahane’s leadership, India registered a historic series victory in 2020-21, known for its resilience after a dramatic loss in the first Test. His win percentage stands at an impressive 66.67%, the highest by any Indian captain in Australia. Rahane’s calm and strategic approach helped guide a young team to success, making him a pivotal figure in Indian cricket history.
| Player | Span | Matches | Won | Lost | Tied | Draw | NR | W/L | %W | %L | %NR | % Draw |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM Rahane | 2017-2021 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | 66.67% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 33.33% |
| BS Bedi | 1977-1978 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.66 | 40.00% | 60.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| SC Ganguly | 2001-2004 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1.00 | 25.00% | 25.00% | 0.00% | 50.00% |
| SM Gavaskar | 1979-1981 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1.00 | 33.33% | 33.33% | 0.00% | 33.33% |
| V Kohli | 2014-2020 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1.00 | 28.57% | 28.57% | 0.00% | 42.86% |