Ind vs Eng 1st Test: Gill enters elite list after first century as Test captain

Vijay Hazare – 164* vs England (Delhi, 1951)

Vijay Hazare marked his captaincy debut with an unbeaten ton. The right-handed batter laid a strong foundation as India posted 418-6, helping the hosts take a 215-run lead after Nigel Howard’s men were bowled out for a mere 203. Coming in to bat at 64-2, Hazare shared a 211-run stand for the third wicket with opener Vijay Merchant (154). The game, however, ended in a draw as England managed 368-6 in their second innings.

Sunil Gavaskar – 116 vs NZ (Auckland, 1976)

Batting icon Sunil Gavaskar

Batting great Sunil Gavaskar’s gritty innings came at an opportune time. NZ made 266 in the first innings. The opener smashed 15 fours and a six, taking India into the lead before falling with the score at 270. India posted 414 and eventually won by eight wickets, chasing down a target of 68.

Dilip Vengsarkar – 102 vs WI (Delhi, 1987)

Dilip Vengsarkar.  Pics/Getty Images

Dilip Vengsarkar’s 257-ball knock came after a terror start. India collapsed for 75 while batting first. However, India bowled out WI for 127. Vengsarkar brought India back into the contest, taking them from 6-2 to 277-6. India were bowled out for 327. Despite setting a target of 276, India lost by five wickets.

Virat Kohli – 115 and 141 vs Australia (Adelaide, 2014)

Virat Kohli after his ton in Adelaide, 2014

Virat Kohli announced himself in fiery fashion, taking on the Australian attack. His first century helped India post 444 after Australia declared at a massive 517-7. Kohli struck 12 fours in his 184-ball knock. In the second essay, Kohli bettered himself, smashing 16 fours and a six at a strike rate of 80.57. He perished with the score reading 304-7 as India lost by 48 runs while chasing 364.

📝 Crime Today News – Opinion: Grit, Glory & Leadership – Indian Captains Who Led with the Bat

In cricket, leadership is not just about setting the field or rotating bowlers—it’s about standing tall when your team needs it most. Over the decades, India has witnessed legendary captaincy knocks that did more than just add runs to the scoreboard—they inspired generations. Let’s take a moment to celebrate some of India’s most iconic Test captaincy debuts and innings:

🔥 Vijay Hazare – 164 vs England (1951, Delhi)

Hazare’s innings wasn’t just a ton; it was a message. As a newly appointed captain, he absorbed pressure at 64-2 and went on to forge a massive 211-run partnership with the legendary Vijay Merchant. While the match ended in a draw, Hazare’s calm, calculated resilience set a new tone for Indian captaincy—a blend of class and composure.

💪 Sunil Gavaskar – 116 vs New Zealand (1976, Auckland)

Known as the original ‘Little Master’, Gavaskar’s hundred was a masterclass in timing and temperament. With the series on the line, his innings turned the match—and the series—around. Gavaskar showed how a captain’s bat can break bowling attacks and silence foreign crowds.

🛡️ Dilip Vengsarkar – 102 vs West Indies (1987, Delhi)

When India was rattled for 75, most sides would have folded. But Vengsarkar stood firm. His century was an act of revival—resurrecting India from 6-2 to 327 all out. Despite the loss, this knock remains one of the finest examples of a captain fighting for pride in adversity.

🔥 Virat Kohli – 115 & 141 vs Australia (2014, Adelaide)

Kohli didn’t just lead—he roared. His twin centuries against a hostile Australian attack redefined aggressive Indian cricket. Even in defeat, Kohli’s hunger, intensity, and self-belief proved he was ready to lead India into a fearless new era.

🗣️ Our Take:

Each of these innings reflects not just skill, but character. Leadership is often judged by results, but true captaincy shines brightest in moments of pressure, adversity, and challenge. Hazare’s grace, Gavaskar’s grit, Vengsarkar’s resilience, and Kohli’s fire—each one carved a different path, but all paved the way for Indian cricket’s proud legacy.

🇮🇳 This is what captaincy in Indian cricket truly means — leading from the front, even if the scoreboard doesn’t always favour you.

Crime Today News | This article first appeared on Mid Day