/betbarter/media/media_files/2025/01/18/GD7wtTdL3ODL8XuxpUWX.webp)
Test cricket has always been the ultimate challenge in the history of the game. For players, representing their countries in this format is a dream come true. Leading their nations in this prestigious format, however, is an achievement reserved for a select few. Since 2010, several captains have showcased exceptional leadership to guide their teams to victory.
At the top of the list is Australia’s current Test skipper, Pat Cummins. Since taking on the role in 2021, Cummins has been exceptional. In 33 matches, he has led his side to 20 wins, with seven losses and eight draws, boasting an impressive win-loss ratio of 2.85. Under his leadership, Australia triumphed over India in the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Most recently, his team secured a historic 3-1 victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on home soil, eliminating India from this year’s WTC final race. Notably, this was Australia’s first series win in this competition since 2014.
Former South African skipper Graeme Smith holds the second spot, also with a win-loss ratio of 2.85. Smith captained in 38 matches during this period, winning 20, losing seven, and drawing 11. Widely regarded as one of the most successful Test captains in cricket history, Smith led South Africa in 109 Tests overall, with 53 wins to his name.
His tenure included the Proteas' first-ever Test series win in Australia during the 2008-09 season and an unbeaten streak of eight away series victories between 2007 and 2013.
India’s former Test captain Virat Kohli ranks third with a win-loss ratio of 2.35. In 68 matches under his captaincy, India recorded 40 wins, 17 losses, and 11 draws, making him India’s most successful Test captain.
Kohli also guided India to three consecutive ICC Test maces in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Under his leadership, India achieved their first-ever Border-Gavaskar Trophy win in Australia during the 2018-19 series.
New Zealand’s Kane Williamson takes the fourth spot, with a win-loss ratio of 2.20 in 40 matches. Williamson captained New Zealand to 22 wins, 10 losses, and eight draws. Australia’s former Test skipper Steve Smith completes the top five with a win-loss ratio of 2.10 in 38 matches.
Smith’s leadership yielded 21 wins, 10 losses, and seven draws. In the absence of Cummins, Smith is set to lead Australia in the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.
Here is the list of the top 5 most successful Test captains since 2010
For more updates and betting opportunities, visit BetBarter.
Player |
Matches |
Won |
Lost |
Draw |
W/L |
Pat Cummins (AUS) |
33 |
20 |
7 |
6 |
2.85 |
Graeme Smith (SA) |
38 |
20 |
7 |
11 |
2.85 |
Virat Kohli (IND) |
68 |
40 |
17 |
11 |
2.35 |
Kane Williamson (NZ) |
40 |
22 |
10 |
8 |
2.20 |
Steve Smith (AUS) |
38 |
21 |
10 |
7 |
2.10 |