Most Runs In Tests As Indian Captain: Top 5 Batting Leaders
Have a look at the top 5 run-scoring performances by Indian skippers in a single Test series.
There have been many instances in Indian Test cricket where captains have not only led from the front but also set stellar examples with the bat. Today, we look at the top 5 run-scoring performances by Indian skippers in a single Test series.
Sunil Gavaskar – 1978 vs West Indies – 732 runs
Sunil Gavaskar, fondly known as the 'Little Master', smashed 732 runs in the 6-match series against the West Indies in 1978. His exceptional average of 91.50 remains a benchmark even today. In that series, Gavaskar scored three centuries and stood tall as the backbone of the Indian batting order.
Virat Kohli – 2016 vs England – 655 runs
Virat Kohli showcased his class in the 2016 home series against England, scoring 655 runs in five Tests. With an incredible average of 109.16, he proved why he’s regarded as the modern-day batting maestro. This series underlined Kohli’s dominance and marked a turning point in India’s Test cricket journey.
Virat Kohli – 2017 vs Sri Lanka – 610 runs
Kohli was unstoppable again in 2017, this time against Sri Lanka. In just three matches, he accumulated 610 runs at a staggering average of 152.50. This performance is still considered one of the most prolific Test series by an Indian captain.
Virat Kohli – 2018 vs England – 593 runs
Kohli makes another entry on this list with his sublime performance in England in 2018. Battling tough overseas conditions, he scored 593 runs in five Tests, averaging 59.30. His efforts drew praise for not just his batting, but also for his composure and leadership under pressure.
Shubman Gill – 2025 vs England – 485 runs (ongoing)
The newest name on the list is that of Shubman Gill, who has made a fantastic start as Test captain in 2025. In the first three matches of the ongoing series against England, Gill has already scored 485 runs at an impressive average of 146.25. His brilliant double century has made this debut captaincy series unforgettable—and with two Tests still to go, he could climb even higher in the rankings.
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