Test cricket is the oldest and most traditional format of the game. Known for its patience, strategy, and endurance, it tests the true skills and temperament of a cricketer over five days of play. Performing consistently in a Test series, especially as a captain, reflects a player’s ability to lead from the front and take responsibility in challenging situations.
In the recently concluded Test series between India and England in 2025, India’s new Test captain, Shubman Gill, made headlines. Taking over the leadership duties from Rohit Sharma, Gill led the team in a high-intensity five-match test series in England. The series ended in a 2-2 draw, but it was Gill’s batting performances that stole the spotlight.. Gill scored three centuries, including a double hundred, and became the first Indian captain to score over 700 runs in a single Test series played in overseas conditions. His consistency and ability to play long innings showed his maturity as a leader. He became only the third Indian batter after Sunil Gavaskar and Yashasvi Jaiswal to cross the 700-run mark in a Test series.
Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s greatest Test Players, still holds the record for the most runs by an Indian captain in a single Test series. But Shubman Gill came very close to breaking that record during this series. So, today we will take a look at the Indian Players who have scored the most runs in a single Test series.
List of Indian Captains with most runs in a Test series
| Rank | Player | Runs | Matches | Innings | Opponent | Year |
| 1 | Sunil Gavaskar | 774 | 4 | 8 | West Indies | 1970-71 |
| 2 | Shubman Gill | 737* | 5 | 8 | England | 2025 |
| 3 | Sunil Gavaskar | 732 | 5 | 9 | West Indies | 1978-79 |
| 4 | Virat Kohli | 692 | 4 | 8 | Australia | 2014-15 |
| 5 | Virat Kohli | 655 | 5 | 8 | England | 2016-17 |
Indian Captains with most runs in a Test series
1. Sunil Gavaskar- 774 Runs vs West Indies(1970-71)
Sunil Gavaskar scored 774 runs in just 8 innings during the 1970-71 series in the West Indies. This was his debut series, and he smashed 4 centuries and 3 half-centuries. His performance played a major role in India’s first-ever series win in the Caribbean. It remains the highest tally by an Indian captain in a Test series.
2. Shubman Gill-737 Runs vs England(2025)*
Shubman Gill, in his debut series as captain, scored 737 runs in 8 innings against England. He hit 3 centuries, including a double ton, and helped India draw the series 2-2 away from home. Gill became the first Indian captain to score over 700 runs in overseas conditions. His calm and confident leadership was highly appreciated and is one of the many good traits of a leader.
3. Sunil Gavaskar- 732 Runs vs West Indies(1978-79)
Gavaskar followed up his earlier success with another superb series, scoring 732 runs in nine innings. He hit 4 centuries during the home series against the West Indies. His dominance with the bat once again showed his class and consistency. It stands as the third-highest run tally by an Indian captain in a series.
4. Virat Kohli- 692 Runs vs Australia(2014-15)
On the tough tour of Australia, Virat Kohli led India and scored 692 runs in the 8 innings he played. He smashed 4 centuries in that series, including two in one match. His aggressive batting and captaincy stood out for the Indian side, even though they lost the series in the end. This was Kohli’s first full series in Test Cricket.
5. Virat Kohli- 655 Runs vs England(2016-17)
Kohli scored 655 runs in 8 innings during England’s tour of India. He hit 2 centuries and 2 half-centuries, leading India to a strong 4-0 series win. His batting form and leadership combined to dominate the opposite English team. Alongside the win, this performance remains one of his best in home conditions.
