In the grand theatre of Test cricket, captaincy is a mantle not just of tactical acumen but of character and courage. For a batter, wearing the captain’s armband often comes with added weight expectations from teammates, scrutiny from critics, and the burden of leading from the front. So, when a captain scores a century in their very first Test match as a leader, it transcends numbers. It becomes a statement of poise under pressure, and of a cricketer ready to carry a nation’s hope.
Over India’s long and illustrious Test history, only five players have managed to achieve this rare feat. From Vijay Hazare in the 1950s to Virat Kohli in modern times, and now Shubman Gill in 2025, each century is not just a milestone; it’s a landmark moment that defines the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket. Let’s take a deep dive into the five Indian cricketers who etched their names in golden letters by scoring a Test century on their captaincy debut.
5. Shubman Gill – Century vs England, 2025 (Headingley)
Fast forward to 2025, Shubman Gill, the heir apparent, took charge of the Indian Test team after Rohit Sharma’s retirement. With doubters questioning his readiness, Gill responded in style, scoring a memorable century at Headingley against England. Under swinging skies and relentless pace, Gill’s composed knock signalled the dawn of a new leadership chapter.
Gill’s Captaincy Debut Innings (Stat Table)
| Opponent | Venue | Year | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | Headingley | 2025 | 127* | 175 | 16 | 1 | Match Ongoing |
4. Virat Kohli – 115 & 141 vs Australia, 2014 (Adelaide)
Few debuts can match the intensity and impact of Virat Kohli’s captaincy inauguration in Adelaide, 2014. With MS Dhoni injured, Kohli led from the front, hammering 115 in the first innings and an even better 141 in the second. Although India lost a cliffhanger, Kohli’s twin tons demonstrated to the world that a new, aggressive era had begun under his leadership.
Kohli’s Captaincy Debut Innings (Stat Table)
| Opponent | Venue | Year | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Adelaide | 2014 | 115 | 141 | 28 | 1 | India Lost |
3. Dilip Vengsarkar – 102 vs West Indies, 1987 (Delhi)
Against a fearsome West Indian pace attack, Dilip Vengsarkar’s captaincy debut in Delhi in 1987 was a trial by fire. After India collapsed for just 75 in the first innings, Vengsarkar stood tall in the second with a defiant 102 off 257 balls. It came in a losing cause, but the innings was an epitome of grit, class, and leadership under duress.
Vengsarkar’s Captaincy Debut Innings (Stat Table)
| Opponent | Venue | Year | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies | Delhi | 1987 | 102 | 257 | 12 | 0 | India Lost |
2. Sunil Gavaskar – 116 vs New Zealand, 1976 (Auckland)
In 1976, the ‘Little Master’ Sunil Gavaskar captained India for the first time against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland. Facing swing-friendly conditions, Gavaskar was unflappable, scoring 116 runs with patience and grace. His century laid the foundation for a dominant Indian victory, a perfect start to his captaincy stint.
Gavaskar’s Captaincy Debut Innings (Stat Table)
| Opponent | Venue | Year | Runs | Balls (approx) | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Auckland | 1976 | 116 | 250 | 15 | 0 | India Won |
1. Vijay Hazare – 164 vs England, 1951 (Delhi)
Vijay Hazare, the calm and classy right-hander, became the first Indian captain to score a century on debut. Leading India against England in Delhi in 1951, Hazare struck a sublime unbeaten 164,* guiding India to 418/6 declared in the first innings. While the match ended in a draw, his composure and technique against a strong English attack made it a legendary knock.
Hazare’s Captaincy Debut Innings (Stat Table)
| Opponent | Venue | Year | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | Delhi | 1951 | 164* | 313 | 17 | 0 | Draw |
READ MORE:
