In the ongoing second Test against England at Edgbaston, Shubman Gill has made history by playing an extraordinary knock as the captain of India. His 269-run innings has not only led India to a dominant position in the match but also helped him break records to become the Indian captain with the highest-ever Test score. This remarkable innings has made Shubman Gill a household name in Indian cricket, and his performance has certainly won the hearts of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

Following this historic feat, it’s a good time to look back at the top five biggest Test innings played by Indian captains. These innings showcase the resilience and leadership qualities that have shaped the history of Indian cricket.

1. Shubman Gill – 269 Against England (2025)

In just his second match as the captain of India, Shubman Gill delivered a masterclass with the bat. His 269-run innings against England at Edgbaston has not only become the highest-ever score by an Indian Test captain but also etched his name in the record books. This incredible knock broke the previous record set by Virat Kohli and solidified Gill’s position as a future leader in world cricket. Gill’s performance was a perfect blend of aggression and technique, and his maturity as a captain was evident throughout his innings.

His 269 runs were instrumental in laying a strong foundation for India in the match and were a testament to his leadership qualities. As India’s new Test captain following the unexpected retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Gill’s performance was a beacon of hope for Indian cricket in the post-Kohli era.

2. Virat Kohli – 254 Against South Africa (2019)

Before Shubman Gill’s record-breaking knock, the largest Test innings by an Indian captain was held by Virat Kohli. During the 2019 Test against South Africa in Pune, Kohli played a brilliant 254-run unbeaten innings. Kohli’s knock was not just about the runs but also about the way he dominated the South African bowlers on an excellent pitch for batting. His leadership during that match was exceptional, guiding India to a commanding position.

Kohli’s 254 remains one of the most memorable innings in Indian cricket, and his consistency as a batsman and captain in international cricket has made him one of the best in the world. This innings, which came in the second match of the series, was instrumental in India’s success and set the stage for a strong series win.

3. Virat Kohli – 243 Against Sri Lanka (2017)

Virat Kohli continues to dominate the list, with his 243-run innings against Sri Lanka in the 2017 Delhi Test. This was another remarkable knock by Kohli, showcasing his ability to lead from the front. His innings was a display of dominance against the Sri Lankan bowlers, as he struck the ball effortlessly across the ground.

Kohli’s leadership qualities shone through as he guided India to a massive score. His innings was a perfect example of how a captain should lead by example, and it helped India secure a crucial victory in the series. The 243-run knock remains one of the most significant innings in Indian cricket history under Kohli’s leadership.

4. Virat Kohli – 235 Against England (2016)

The fourth spot on this prestigious list also belongs to Virat Kohli. In the 2016 Test against England in Mumbai, Kohli played a stunning 235-run innings. This knock was special for multiple reasons, one being the fact that it came in challenging conditions in India, where the pitches can be testing for both sides.

Kohli’s innings against England was built on patience and attacking play when needed, and it showed his versatility as a captain. His 235 runs not only helped India in the match but also placed him among the top run-scorers as a captain in Test cricket. Kohli’s approach to the game in this series, combined with his stellar performances with the bat, left a lasting impact on Indian cricket.

5. MS Dhoni – 224 Against Australia (2013)

The fifth spot on this list is held by the legendary MS Dhoni, who played a memorable 224-run innings against Australia in Chennai in 2013. This innings was particularly remarkable as it came at a time when India was facing a strong Australian side. Dhoni’s knock was an example of his calmness under pressure and his ability to lead from the front.

His innings helped India set a massive total, and it showed why Dhoni was considered one of the best finishers in world cricket. This innings remains one of the most significant contributions by Dhoni as a Test captain. Known for his cool-headedness and astute leadership, Dhoni’s innings helped India gain a crucial win in that series, further solidifying his legacy as a captain.

These five innings, played by Indian captains, serve as a testament to their leadership and resilience. Whether it was Shubman Gill’s historic 269 runs or the consistent dominance of Virat Kohli, these performances highlight the high standards set by Indian captains in the longer format of the game.

Shubman Gill’s record-breaking knock has now joined the ranks of these iconic innings, and his future as a leader looks promising. The legacy of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers, as they led India to many memorable victories with their bat and leadership skills.

With the evolution of new leadership under Shubman Gill, Indian cricket fans can look forward to more thrilling performances from the national team. As these captains have shown, Test cricket is all about resilience, determination, and leading from the front, which continues to define the future of Indian cricket.