Leading India in Test cricket is an honour but it doesn’t always begin with a win. Since 2000, a few big names have started their Test captaincy journey with a loss. Here’s a look at those moments, including the latest setback in Leeds.
Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, and now Shubman Gillall entered Test captaincy with high hopes, only to suffer early setbacks. A reminder that leadership at the top level is never easy, especially in the longest format.
In a high-scoring thriller, England outpaced India with calculated aggression. The win handed Shubman Gill an unwanted entry in the record books as the fourth Indian skipper since 2000 to lose his first Test.
India – 471 & 364 England – 465 & 373/5
India posted a mammoth total in both innings, but England pulled off a brilliant comeback, showcasing their fearless approach to Test cricket.
In his captaincy debut, Shubman Gill faced a strong England side at Headingley. Despite India’s big first-innings score, England clinched the match with a dominant chase.
Bumrah led India in the rescheduled fifth Test but England, powered by a record chase, denied him a winning start as skipper.
Rahul stood in as captain in tough conditions and despite early promise, India fell short as South Africa chased down the target comfortably.
Kohli began his captaincy with a memorable knock but couldn’t avoid defeat as Australia edged past India in a thrilling Test match at the Adelaide Oval.
Leading India in Test cricket is an honour but it doesn’t always begin with a win. Since 2000, a few big names have started their Test captaincy journey with a loss. Here’s a look at those moments, including the latest setback in Leeds.