Virat Kohli fourth on the list of most successful Test captains

Since taking up the leadership role in red-ball cricket in 2014, Virat Kohli has recorded 40 Test wins as captain and is currently the fourth-most successful Test captain of all time. 

Here, we glance through the most successful Test captains in the history of cricket.

1. Graeme Smith - 53 Test wins

South Africa’s Graeme Smith recorded 53 wins and tops the list for captains with the most Test wins. The southpaw led the Proteas in 109 Tests, the most by any captain to date. 

Graeme Smith led South Africa in the famous 2008-09 series win in Australia where his side handed the Aussies their first series loss at home in 16 years. 

2. Ricky Ponting - 48 Test wins

Australia’s Ricky Ponting is second on the most successful Test captains list. The Aussie’s win percentage of 62.33 as captain is the second-best among players who have led their team in 25 or more Tests.

Amongst the major achievements of his captaincy career is leading Australia to a 5-0 Ashes victory in 2006/07.  

3. Steve Waugh - 41 Test wins

Australian legend Steve Waugh led his side in 41 Test wins between 1999-2004. He has an incredible win percentage of 71.92 across 57 Tests. Waugh scored 3,714 runs as captain at an average of 52.31. 

4. Virat Kohli - 40 Test wins

Indian captain Virat Kohli is at the fourth spot on the list of most successful Test captains. Kohli, since becoming skipper in 2014, has 40 Test wins under his belt and is by far the most successful Test captain for India. He also led India to the final of the first World Test Championship (WTC). 

5. Clive Lloyd - 36 Test wins

West Indian great Clive Lloyd led the side between 1974-1985. He was instrumental in the Caribbean team’s rise to the top in the 70s and 80s. 

In 74 matches as captain, Lloyd won 36. During his reign as captain, West Indies had a record 27-match unbeaten streak between 1982 and 1984.

Most successful Test captains: Know them all  

Featured Photo: Paul Ellis / AFP