Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma vs Shubman Gill: Batting comparison in first Test as captain

Indian cricket has begun a new stint under a new captain, Shubman Gill, succeeding legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Each of these three batters took over the captaincy at different stages of their careers and under other circumstances.

Virat Kohli was handed the duties in December 2014 after MS Dhoni’s mid-series retirement during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In his very first Test as captain at Adelaide, Kohli hammered twin centuries, 115 and 141. Despite India narrowly losing the match by 48 runs, Kohli’s performance in that series received huge appreciation. 

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma took over the role in March 2022 following Kohli's decision to step down. His debut as Test skipper came in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Mohali. The opener had already become a full-time white-ball captain and was expected to carry that into the longer format. However, his debut innings as captain saw him score just 29 runs. However, the hosts did go on to win the match comfortably by an innings and 222 runs.

The most recent entry to the list of Indian Test captains is Shubman Gill, who took on the role following Rohit's retirement. The 25-year-old captaincy debut came against England in June 2025 at Headingley, Leeds, scoring a brilliant 147 in the first innings. However, he managed only eight in the second innings; his debut hundred as captain put India in a strong position. 

Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma vs Shubman Gill: Batting Comparison

While Gill has just begun his career as Test captain, Kohli and Rohit had a different journey in this format. Kohli led India in 68 Tests, scoring 5864 runs at an average of 54.80, with 20 centuries. Under his captaincy, India reached numerous heights, with historic wins in Australia and a dominant run at home. He also brought an aggressive style of play and a fitness revolution. Though he didn’t win an ICC title, Kohli led India to the World Test Championship final in 2021.

Rohit’s stint was shorter. He captained India in 24 Tests, scoring 1254 runs at an average of 30.58, with four centuries. During his time, the team reached the WTC Final in 2023 and suffered a defeat at the hands of Australia. His final year at the role brought disappointing results, including a historic whitewash at home and a series loss to Australia in Border Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Notably, both of these players have announced their retirements in May 2025 and are set to feature only in the 50-over format.

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Kohli & Rohit Captaincy records

Who is better Captain Batter- Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma vs Shubman Gill

Lastly, Gill, before taking over the role, had played 32 Tests, scoring 1893 runs at an average of 35.05. Looking at their Test records before becoming captain, Rohit had the highest average of 46.60, followed by Kohli’s 43.08, while Gill trailed with 35.05. Home and away records show that Kohli was the most balanced player, averaging 50.52 at home and 39.12 away. Rohit’s numbers dipped from 77.22 at home to 31.26 away.