Cricket in India is not just a sport; it's a religion, with millions of fervent followers across the nation. Over the years, the Indian cricket team has seen numerous leaders who have shouldered the responsibility of captaining the side with skill, determination, and passion. From the early days of Test cricket to the modern era of T20 domination, each captain has left their mark on the team's history. Here, we present a detailed list of cricket captains of India, spanning across different formats and epochs.

1. CK Nayudu (1932 - 1934):

   • A pioneer of Indian cricket, CK Nayudu was the first captain of the Indian Test team. His leadership laid the foundation for future generations.

2. Lala Amarnath (1952 - 1953):

   • Known for his aggressive approach, Lala Amarnath led India in the early years of Test cricket, instilling a fighting spirit in the team.

3. Vijay Hazare (1951 - 1953):

   • A batting stalwart, Vijay Hazare captained India with distinction, guiding the team through a period of transition.

4. Vinoo Mankad (1959 - 1962):

   • Renowned for his all-round prowess, Vinoo Mankad served as captain during a challenging phase in Indian cricket history.

5. Polly Umrigar (1955 - 1958):

   • A respected figure in Indian cricket, Polly Umrigar led the team with dignity and integrity, earning admiration from teammates and opponents alike.

6. Nawab of Pataudi Jr. (1962 - 1975):

   • Popularly known as Tiger Pataudi, he was a charismatic leader who inspired his team to achieve greatness against formidable opponents.

7. Sunil Gavaskar (1976 - 1985):

   • The Little Master, Sunil Gavaskar, led India with his astute cricketing brain and remarkable batting prowess, leaving an indelible mark on the team's legacy.

8. Kapil Dev (1982 - 1994):

   • Under the captaincy of Kapil Dev, India achieved its greatest cricketing triumph – the 1983 World Cup victory, a moment that etched his name in history.

9. Mohammad Azharuddin (1989 - 1999):

   • Mohammad Azharuddin brought elegance and flair to the captaincy, leading India with style and panache during the 1990s.

10. Sourav Ganguly (2000 - 2005):

    • A transformational figure, Sourav Ganguly instilled a sense of fearlessness and aggression in the team, leading India to notable victories both at home and abroad.

11. Rahul Dravid (2005 - 2007):

    • The Wall of Indian cricket, Rahul Dravid led the team with grace and composure, setting high standards for sportsmanship and discipline.

12. Anil Kumble (2007 - 2008):

    • A legendary spinner turned captain, Anil Kumble brought his tactical acumen and vast cricketing knowledge to the helm, guiding India through challenging times.

13. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (2007 - 2016):

    • Captain Cool, Mahendra Singh Dhoni led India to unprecedented success across all formats, including the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.

14. Virat Kohli (2017 - Present):

    • A modern-day cricketing icon, Virat Kohli leads India with passion and intensity, continuing the legacy of excellence set by his predecessors.

From the pioneering days of Indian cricket to the glitzy era of T20 supremacy, each captain has played a crucial role in shaping the team's identity and inspiring millions of fans across the globe. As India continues its quest for cricketing glory, the legacy of these leaders will forever remain etched in the annals of cricketing history.