Indian states to have produced most number of Test captains

While cricket remains a craze all over the country, it is no secret that some states fare better in the sport than others. Led by increased infrastructure and a keen administration, certain states are able to churn out more watch winning players, who later take over the reins of the Indian Cricket team.

Here are the Indian states that have produced the most Test captains ever since India first started playing the game in 1932.

PS- Stand-in captains have not been considered in the list.

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#5 Andhra Pradesh – Three Test captains

The state of Andhra Pradesh is most notable for producing wristy stroke-makers like VVS Laxman and Mohammad Azharuddin, but many will often ignore the role the state has had in producing Test Captains.

Andhra Pradesh has produced three Test skippers so far in Maharaj of Vizianagram, Ghulam Ahmed and Azharuddin. The Maharaja was the second Test Captain of India after CK Nayudu in 1936. He took over the top spot in 1936 when India toured England after much manipulation and bribing. But his captaincy skills were so poor that he earned criticism from all around, including from the English media and the senior players in the side like Nayudu, Vijay Merchant and Lala Amarnath.

In the match against Minor Counties, the Maharaja asked Amarnath to pad up despite him having an injury but to the dismay of the batsman, he was not sent in to bat as the others were sent in ahead of him. Not only did this disallow Amarnath to rest his injury, it also led to a revolt in the dressing room. He captained in three Tests and India lost all three. A report suggested that he did not even understand the field placements and it was not long before he was stripped of his role.

Ghulam Ahmed was the second leader from the state. He was the stand-in skipper for a game when India toured New Zealand in 1955. The match ended in a draw. He then became the Captain for two games against West Indies in 1958, both of which India lost.

Azharuddin was the most successful leader from Andhra Pradesh. He captained India for most parts in the 1990s and led the team in 47 games, of which India won 14 and lost 14.

#4 Haryana – Three Test captains

The state is most famous for producing Kapil Dev, one of the most skilled all-rounders in the game and the first Captain that led India to the World Cup triumph in 1983.

However, before him, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi also led the Indian team. Belonging to the Princely State of Pataudi in Haryana, both father and son went on to play cricket. While Senior Pataudi captained India for just three games in England, losing two and drawing one, his son emerged as one of the greatest Test Captains from India.

Even with one blind eye, he led India in 40 matches, of which nine resulted in victories. He was in charge when the squad defeated New Zealand in New Zealand in 1968, which was not only the first win by India overseas but also the first series win abroad. His shrewd and bold nature rubbed off into his squad and what emerged was a more confident unit.

Kapil Dev was the third Captain from Haryana. He made his debut as Captain in 1982, in India’s tour to Sri Lanka and over the course of five years, led the team on 34 occasions, with 4 wins.

#3 Karnataka – Three Test captains

Karnataka’s first Test Captain was the very sound Gundappa Viswanath, who led India for just a solitary Test match against England in 1979 – a game that India won. Before that, he had been the stand-in skipper a few months ago when the team played against Pakistan.

However, it was not until Rahul Dravid’s ascension that Karnataka had their first long-serving skipper. The maverick took over the reins from Sourav Ganguly, who had been involved in a mess with Greg Chappell during his tenure.

Under Dravid, the Indian team won a series against West Indies in West Indies and won Test games in Multan and in Johannesburg. However, the crowning glory was the team’s 1-0 in England for the first time since 1986.

After he announced his retirement, he was succeeded by Anil Kumble, who scripted his best victory as a leader in Perth.

#2 Gujarat – Three Test captains

Traditionally, one would not associate Gujarat with many successful Test players except for a handful, so it might come as a surprise to have the state on the list with three Captains as well.

Vinoo Mankad was the first captain from the state. He led the team in Pakistan in 1954, with all matches ending in a draw. Four years later, he was appointed as a stand-in skipper against West Indies for one game.

Dutta Gaekwad is best remembered for guiding Baroda to their first Ranji title in nine years. After a double hundred against Bombay, he was recalled to the Indian side that played West Indies. He was then appointed to lead the side in England in 1959 but ended up losing all the four games on tour. He was inflicted with an illness throughout that tour and along with that, he fell prey to the senior player’s revolt against him as he had asked a manager from Baroda to accompany him in the series.

Nari Contractor was made the Indian skipper in 1960 against Pakistan and then England at home. Under him, India drew all matches against the neighbours and won two, before Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi took over the reins.

#1 Maharashtra – Eight Test captains

Talk of Indian Cricket and Maharashtra’s name will top the list in the number of cricketers that have been produced.

The list begins with CK Nayudu, India’s first Test captain and covers the likes of Vijay Hazare, Polly Umrigar, Gulabari Ramchand, Ajit Wadekar, Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Ravi Shastri and Sachin Tendulkar.

Hemu Adhikari, Chandu Borde and Ajinkya Rahane have all served in as stand-in skippers and belong to Maharashtra.