The India vs England Test rivalry has stood the test of time. Since their first encounter in 1932 at Lord’s, these two cricketing powerhouses have battled through eras, evolving conditions, and ever-changing cricketing philosophies. From spin duels on dusty subcontinental pitches to seaming masterclasses in swinging English weather, the rivalry has produced countless legendary cricketers.
While both sides have exchanged the upper hand across decades, only a handful of players have the rare distinction of finishing their careers having Never Lost a Test Series against the other nation. These players not only contributed significantly during individual Tests but were also part of squads that consistently held their own or even bettered their oldest Test rival.
In this article, we delve into the Top 10 India vs England Players Who Have Never Lost a Test Series, highlighting their performances, contexts, and why their legacy stands unmatched in this historic battle.
10. Kapil Dev (India)
Series Played vs England: 1979 (ENG), 1981–82 (IND), 1982 (ENG), 1986 (ENG)
India’s greatest all-rounder, Kapil Dev, was part of some of India’s finest moments against England, none greater than the 1986 series win in England. His impactful performances with both bat and ball ensured India stayed unbeaten in series results during his England match-ups. Thus, he too Never Lost a Test Series.
Statistics Table:
| Matches | Runs vs ENG | Wickets | Notable Performances | Series Wins | Series Draws | Series Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 722 | 43 | 5/70 at Lord’s (1986) | 2 | 2 | 0 |
9. Murali Vijay (India)
Series Played vs England: 2014 (ENG), 2016 (IND)
Murali Vijay’s classical technique served him well in England and at home. His 146 at Trent Bridge in 2014 stood out. In both the series he played, India either won or drew, thus he Never Lost a Test Series against England.
Statistics Table:
| Matches | Runs vs ENG | Average | 100s/50s | Series Wins | Series Draws | Series Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 754 | 47.12 | 2/3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
8. Ajinkya Rahane (India)
Series Played vs England: 2014 (ENG), 2016 (IND), 2021 (IND), 2021–22 (ENG)
Rahane’s career against England is a blend of critical away knocks and solid leadership in crunch moments. His 103 at Lord’s in 2014 and calm presence during India’s 2021 wins earned him accolades. Across four series, he Never Lost a Test Series to England.
Statistics Table:
| Matches | Runs vs ENG | Average | Centuries | Series Wins | Series Draws | Series Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 1050 | 42.00 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
7. Mohammed Siraj (India)
Series Played vs England: 2021 (IND), 2021–22 (ENG)
Bursting onto the scene with fiery spells, Siraj was key to India’s 2021 dominance in England. His 4-wicket burst at Lord’s sealed a famous win. Despite the series concluding 2-2, India were leading 2-1 before the final match. Thus, Siraj, at this point in his career, has Never Lost a Test Series to England.
Statistics Table:
| Matches | Wickets vs ENG | Best Bowling | Series Won | Series Drawn | Series Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 35 | 4/32 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
6. Rishabh Pant (India)
Series Played vs England: 2021 (IND), 2021–22 (ENG, part of 5-Test series)
Rishabh Pant has been a revelation against England. From audacious counter-attacks in Ahmedabad to a masterful 146 at Edgbaston, Pant has consistently hurt England’s bowling. The unfinished 2021–22 series, though officially drawn 2-2, saw India leading 2-1 before COVID-19 disruptions. Hence, Pant has Never Lost a Test Series.
Statistics Table:
| Matches | Runs vs ENG | Average | Centuries | Series Wins | Series Draws | Series Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 720 | 48.00 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
5. VVS Laxman (India)
Series Played vs England: 2002 (ENG), 2006 (IND), 2007 (ENG)
Known for his artistry under pressure, Laxman contributed with calmness and resilience. His innings in the 2007 series provided the stability India needed to script historic wins. As part of all series from 2002 to 2007, Laxman maintained a spotless record, having Never Lost a Test Series to England.
Statistics Table:
| Matches | Runs vs ENG | Average | Notable Innings | Series Wins | Series Draws | Series Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 925 | 48.68 | 79 (Nottingham) | 2 | 1 | 0 |
4. Zaheer Khan (India)
Series Played vs England: 2002 (ENG), 2007 (ENG), 2008 (IND)
The left-arm pace spearhead was India’s strike bowler during crucial away tours. His 2007 performance was game-changing, especially his 9-wicket haul at Nottingham. Zaheer’s aggression, swing, and ability to take top-order wickets ensured he was part of teams that Never Lost a Test Series against England.
Statistics Table:
| Matches | Wickets vs ENG | Best Bowling | Series Wins | Series Drawn | Series Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 46 | 5/75 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
3. Sourav Ganguly (India)
Series Played vs England: 2002 (ENG), 2006 (IND), 2007 (ENG)
Sourav Ganguly, known for transforming Indian cricket’s overseas mindset, played a significant role in reviving India’s Test credentials. Under his leadership, India drew the 2002 series in England. Though not captain in 2007, he played a key middle-order role in India’s series win. Across all his England encounters, he Never Lost a Test Series.
Statistics Table:
| Matches | Runs vs ENG | Average | Half-centuries | Series Wins | Series Draws | Series Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 850 | 38.63 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
2. Anil Kumble (India)
Series Played vs England: 1993 (IND), 1996 (ENG), 2002 (ENG), 2007 (ENG)
India’s highest wicket-taker in Tests, Anil Kumble, dominated the England batsmen both at home and away. His 1993 home series heroics (21 wickets) were instrumental in India’s 3-0 whitewash. Even in England, his adaptability earned India crucial breakthroughs. His leadership during the 2007 series sealed the historic win. With four India-England series under his belt and no defeats, Kumble proudly Never Lost a Test Series against England.
Statistics Table:
| Matches | Wickets vs ENG | Best Bowling | 5W Hauls | Series Won | Series Drawn | Series Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | 92 | 7/115 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
1. Rahul Dravid (India)
Series Played vs England: 2002 (ENG), 2006 (IND), 2007 (ENG)
Rahul Dravid, the quintessential Test batsman, exhibited unmatched composure and grit during all his encounters against England. Despite touring England during challenging periods, Dravid played a pivotal role in the famous 2007 series win on English soil, the first in 21 years for India.
In the 2002 series, he was India’s batting backbone, contributing vital knocks, including a century at Nottingham. His leadership and performances ensured that throughout his career, he Never Lost a Test Series against England.
Statistics Table:
| Matches | Runs vs ENG | Average | Centuries | Series Wins | Series Draws | Series Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1950 | 60.93 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
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