The story of India’s first ever Test captaincy is as much about politics, princely pride and national identity as it is about cricket
When India prepared to play their first-ever Test match at Lord's on June 25, 1932, cricket was not the only contest. The biggest question was not who would take the new ball or face the first over — it was who would lead.
Five candidates, most of them royals, entered the race. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), still in its early days, saw offers and lobbying that could rival a modern-day election campaign.
Maharaja of Patiala and Maharaja of Vizianagram were frontrunners — not just because of their status, but also due to their financial backing of the team's tour and trials. However, soon, fitness issues and politics forced them out.
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With both Patiala and Vizianagram opting out — the latter citing a diplomatic "health issue" — the Board turned to the Maharaja of Porbandar, a man of pedigree but limited performance. In the lead-up to the match, his scores read: 0, 2, and 0. He had no illusions about his role. He stepped aside voluntarily so that India could field its best team.
In a moment that exemplified humility and foresight, Porbandar handed over leadership to Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu, India's finest cricketer at the time — a man who had earned his place, not inherited it. CK, as he's affectionately known, was 36. He had already established a reputation in the domestic circuit. Now he was poised to make history.
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India batted second in their inaugural Test at the Lord's after England scored 259 in the first innings. CK Nayudu, now India's official captain, walked out and played with composure. His 40 became the highest score in India's innings of 189. He didn't just win the toss; he took responsibility.
India conceded a 70-run lead in the first innings, and England capitalised with 275/8 declared in their second innings. India faltered in their chase, scoring just 187, and lost by 158 runs. But defeat didn't define the occasion — presence did.
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The context surrounding that Lord's Test cannot be overlooked. India, still under colonial rule, was dealing with internal unrest. The freedom movement led to a boycott of the Bombay Quadrangular, with players from key communities refusing to participate in the trials. At one point, the idea of appointing a British expatriate to lead the Indian team even emerged — a prospect the Indian board firmly rejected.
Instead, they chose a course aligned with national sentiment: the captain must be Indian-born. It wasn't merely a cricketing decision — it was a stand for identity, representation, and emerging sovereignty.
In an ironic twist of fate, England's captain that day, Douglas Jardine, was born in Malabar Hill, Bombay. His father, Malcolm Jardine, was born in Simla and had played first-class cricket in India. So, while India fought to field its first Indian-born captain, England took the field with one of their own, born on Indian soil.
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India lost the match, but they gained something else — a sense of self. CK Nayudu didn't just become a captain; he became a symbol. He played a crucial innings, united a diverse team, and carried the first chapter of Indian Test cricket on his shoulders.
The Maharajas made way. The cricketer took charge, and Indian cricket took its first step — not with certainty, but with resolve.
