Indian states to have produced most number of Test captains
While cricket remains a craze all over the country, it is no secret that some states fare better in the sport than others. Led by increased infrastructure and a keen administration, certain states are able to churn out more watch winning players, who later take over the reins of the Indian Cricket team.
Here are the Indian states that have produced the most Test captains ever since India first started playing the game in 1932.
PS- Stand-in captains have not been considered in the list.
#5 Andhra Pradesh – Three Test captains
The state of Andhra Pradesh is most notable for producing wristy stroke-makers like VVS Laxman and Mohammad Azharuddin, but many will often ignore the role the state has had in producing Test Captains.
Andhra Pradesh has produced three Test skippers so far in Maharaj of Vizianagram, Ghulam Ahmed and Azharuddin. The Maharaja was the second Test Captain of India after CK Nayudu in 1936. He took over the top spot in 1936 when India toured England after much manipulation and bribing. But his captaincy skills were so poor that he earned criticism from all around, including from the English media and the senior players in the side like Nayudu, Vijay Merchant and Lala Amarnath.
In the match against Minor Counties, the Maharaja asked Amarnath to pad up despite him having an injury but to the dismay of the batsman, he was not sent in to bat as the others were sent in ahead of him. Not only did this disallow Amarnath to rest his injury, it also led to a revolt in the dressing room. He captained in three Tests and India lost all three. A report suggested that he did not even understand the field placements and it was not long before he was stripped of his role.
Ghulam Ahmed was the second leader from the state. He was the stand-in skipper for a game when India toured New Zealand in 1955. The match ended in a draw. He then became the Captain for two games against West Indies in 1958, both of which India lost.
Azharuddin was the most successful leader from Andhra Pradesh. He captained India for most parts in the 1990s and led the team in 47 games, of which India won 14 and lost 14.