From Kohli’s Wankhede masterpiece to Pataudi’s princely knock in Delhi — a look back at five iconic innings by Indian skippers against England
There's something about playing against England that ignites a fire in Indian captains. Perhaps it's the colonial history. Maybe it's the prestige of the contest. Or perhaps it's simply the thrill of proving a point against a side that once dominated the game.
Whatever the reason, over the years, Indian captains have elevated their performance when taking on the Three Lions — not only with strategies but also with the bat.
As the 2025 Test series between India and England progresses, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit five standout Test innings played by Indian captains against England. Each was a statement, and each left a mark.
Credit: India Today
Wankhede was packed. The stakes were high. England had amassed 400 in their first innings, and India needed something special. Virat Kohli, batting in the first innings, delivered just that.
Walking in with India in a difficult position, he absorbed the pressure and then began to punish. His 235 came off 340 balls, consisting of 25 boundaries and a six.
This innings of king Kohli represents the highest score by any Indian Test captain against England. India went on to post 631 and won by an innings and 36 runs. This was Kohli at his peak — precise, fearless, relentless.
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In an era of slow scoring and cautious play, Pataudi dared to dazzle. With India trailing by 107 runs after the first innings, he led from the front in the second. The Nawab's unbeaten 203 helped India post 463/4, turning the game around.
His innings came off 430 deliveries and included 23 fours and 2 sixes. Stylish yet gritty, it ensured the match ended in a draw and saved India from defeat. The regal flair he brought to the crease was unmistakable.
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The wristy genius put on a show for the ages at Eden Gardens. Batting first, Azharuddin arrived and instantly altered the tempo. With 12 fours and 1 six, his 182 off just 197 balls was vintage Azhar — flicks, drives, and audacity in full flow.
India amassed 371, bowled out England for 163 and 286, and chased down 79 to win by eight wickets. Azhar was named Player of the Match, and rightly so.
Credit: ESPN
This knock doesn't receive enough attention. In the first innings, India was staring down England's 519. Azharuddin, captaining abroad, played an elegant 179 off 243 balls.
Despite the pressure, he timed his innings beautifully, combining style with patience. India replied with 432, and although the match ended in a draw, Azhar’s innings stood as the highest score by an Indian Test captain on English soil.
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Before Dravid claimed that title, Gavaskar had already established it. In a drawn game in Bengaluru, England scored 400 and declared their second innings at 174 for 3 for a draw. However, between those totals came a Gavaskar gem.
He batted for what felt like an eternity, scoring 172 runs from an astonishing 472 balls, including 19 boundaries. Patience, technique, and sheer determination characterised the innings. India posted 428, maintaining the balance and earning Gavaskar the Player of the Match award.
