Luck has always been a major factor in the game of cricket. Things become easier when luck is by your side. Like, getting it right at the toss sets the tone of the match for the team. We have seen that a lot of match results depend on the toss factor, as it allows the team to choose bat first or chase as per the conditions on offer.
However, over the years there have been a few who have often been at the wrong end at the toss. In this article, we take a look at the five Team India skippers who have lost the most number of tosses in test cricket.
Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi – 20 matches
Nawab Mohammad Mansoor Ali Khan Siddiqui Pataudi is regarded as one of the greatest to have ever led India. MAK Pataudi captained India in 40 test matches, in which he lost the toss in 20 matches. He has a 50% record in calling it right at the toss.
India won in six test matches out of the 20 in which they lost the toss. While they lost 11 and three ended as a draw. Overall, under the leadership of MAK Pataudi, India has won 9 matches and has a win percentage record of 47.5.
Sunil Gavaskar – 25 matches
Sunil Gavaskar has captained India in 47 matches in Test cricket, out of which he lost the toss on 25 occasions. India has drawn 16 of those 25 test matches while having won in five of them.
Gavaskar has a 20 percent win record in the matches, where the toss did not go in his favor. In the 47 tests that he has led, India has won in 9 Tests and has drawn 30 of them.
Sourav Ganguly – 28 matches
Sourav Ganguly is one of the rare captains who has won more matches than lost despite losing the toss. He has lost the toss in 28 test matches, out of which India has won in 12 and lost in 9 test matches.
Ganguly has a win percentage record of 42.85% in matches, where he has lost the toss. He has led India in a total of 49 test matches and has won in 21 of those test matches.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni – 34 matches
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is India’s most successful captain in terms of winning ICC events. He has led India in 60 test matches, out of which India has won in 27 and lost in 18 matches.
Dhoni has lost the toss in 34 Test matches. In those 34, India has won in 18 matches with a winning record of 52.94 percentage. Only 9 test matches have ended in a losing cause.
Virat Kohli – 35 matches
India’s current skipper Virat Kohli lost the toss in the recent test match against England to become the Indian skipper with the most losses at the toss. He has lost the toss in 35 test matches. Out of which, 14 have ended up in a winning cause for India.
Overall, Virat Kohli has captained India in 62 test matches, the most by any skipper. India has won in 36 of those, while has lost in 15 test matches.
