In the rich tapestry of Indian cricket, three names stand tall as giants who have shaped the game for nearly two decades: MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. Each has left an indelible mark on the sport, not only bringing home numerous victories but also revolutionizing Indian cricket in distinct ways. Under MS Dhoni’s leadership, Indian cricket reached new heights, winning three prestigious ICC trophies—the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.

MS Dhoni’s calm and strategic captaincy turned India into a formidable force on the global stage. Virat Kohli, who succeeded Dhoni, took India to another level in Test cricket, helping them achieve the No. 1 ranking and guiding the team to the final of the inaugural World Test Championship.

Virat Kohli’s aggressive leadership and unmatched batting prowess reshaped India’s approach, especially in the longest format. Rohit Sharma, the current Indian captain, has carried forward their legacy. Recently, he ended India’s 11-year drought for an ICC title by winning the T20 World Cup in 2024, securing his place as one of the finest captains in Indian cricket.

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The trio’s impact has extended beyond international cricket, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings and Rohit’s Mumbai Indians are tied with five IPL titles each, cementing their legacies as IPL giants. Kohli, despite not winning an IPL title with Royal Challengers Bangalore, has delivered extraordinary individual performances that have made him a fan favourite.

 

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In a podcast on “Club Prairie Fire,” former England captain Michael Vaughan and Australian legend Adam Gilchrist played a game called “Play, Sell, or Bench” with Dhoni, Kohli, and Sharma. Vaughan chose to “play” Dhoni, stating, “No one’s been better.” He “sold” Kohli, explaining, “I’m getting rid of him because he’s never won an IPL.” Finally, Vaughan “benched” Rohit, humorously suggesting that Rohit would serve as Dhoni’s substitute.

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Vaughan’s decision reflects Dhoni’s immense success both in international cricket and the IPL. Kohli, despite his lack of IPL silverware, has been a transformational leader for India, especially in Test cricket. Meanwhile, Rohit’s IPL success and his recent international achievements make him a force to be reckoned with, boasting the highest captaincy success rate of the three.