Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Virender Sehwag was India's first T20I captain
India's T20I cricket journey began in 2006 with Virender Sehwag as the first captain.
He led the team in their inaugural match but did not continue in the role.
MS Dhoni took over and led India to their first T20 World Cup victory in 2007, shaping the team's identity.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma followed, with Rohit leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Suryakumar Yadav has the highest win percentage as captain, leading the team to the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The captaincy has seen various leaders, each contributing to India's success in the format.
Virender Sehwag was India's first T20I captain in December 2006.
MS Dhoni led India to their first T20 World Cup victory in 2007.
Virat Kohli captained India in 50 T20I matches from 2017 to 2021.
Rohit Sharma led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup victory.
Suryakumar Yadav has the highest win percentage as India's T20I captain.
- Who
- Virender Sehwag, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav
- What
- India's T20I captaincy history
- When
- First match in December 2006, significant events in 2007, 2017, 2024, and 2026
- Where
- Johannesburg, South Africa (first match); various locations for subsequent events
- Why
- To understand the evolution of India's T20I captaincy and its impact on the team's success
Sehwag's Leadership
Dhoni's Impact
Initial Leadership
Sehwag's Leadership
Virender Sehwag was the first captain of India's T20I team, leading in the inaugural match in 2006.
Dhoni's Impact
MS Dhoni took over and significantly shaped India's T20I identity, leading the team to its first T20 World Cup victory in 2007.
- First T20I Captain
- Virender Sehwag
- First T20I Match
- December 2006, Johannesburg
- First T20I World Cup
- 2007, led by MS Dhoni
- Most T20I Matches as Captain
- MS Dhoni (72 matches)
- Highest Win Percentage
- Suryakumar Yadav (82%)