Ben Stokes vs Virat Kohli: Who was the better Test captain?

Virat Kohli & Ben Stokes (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images/(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Ben Stokes and Virat Kohli are widely regarded as two of the most inspirational leaders in recent times who championed Test cricket when the format was at its most vulnerable. However, both greats have now stepped down from the longest format of the game with commanding legacies of their own.

Kohli stepped down as India’s Test captain in early 2022 after a series defeat to South Africa. Stokes, on the other hand, not only left his captaincy behind but also decided to retire from international cricket after England’s 2-1 series defeat to New Zealand on home soil in June 2026.

Both Kohli and Stokes had striking similarities in leading their respective sides out in Test cricket. Both players were talismanic and enjoyed being aggressive and the centre of attention out in the field. Which begs a question: who was the better leader between the two heavyweights in Test matches?

Virat Kohli vs Ben Stokes: Test Captaincy Stats:

Virat Kohli vs Ben Stokes: Leadership Styles:

Both Kohli and Stokes have some similarities in their captaincy styles, but there are a few differences in how they channel their aggression. Kohli’s style prioritised fitness and not giving the opposition an inch. He put relentless pressure with the help of fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Meanwhile, Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma also had career rejuvenation under his captaincy. Kohli also flourished as a batter under his captaincy, enjoying the added responsibility.

Stokes, on the other hand, gave extensive freedom to his players to express themselves on the field and stay true to their natural game, particularly the batters. Under his leadership, England batted at a better run-rate compared to any of their counterparts, with the likes of Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Harry Brook taking the Test batting to new heights. Stokes encapsulated a fearless brand of cricket by taking bold declaration calls and not worrying about the prospect of failure.

Virat Kohli vs Ben Stokes: Key Achievements as Test Captains:

Virat Kohli:

• Guided India to their first-ever series win in Australia during the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
• Kohli took India to nine consecutive Test series victories between 2015 and 2017, the most by a captain.
• Guided India to a famous Test win at Lord’s in 2021, winning by 151 runs.
• Under Kohli, India never lost a Test series on home soil, winning all 11 series with a win percentage of 77.41.

Ben Stokes: 

• Guided England to a historic 3-0 series win in Pakistan in 2022, their first since 2000.
• Stokes took England to their first Test series win in New Zealand in 16 years during their tour in 2024.
• England under Stokes’ captaincy famously won a Test match in Hyderabad despite trailing India by 190 runs after the first innings.
• During the 2023 Ashes, England came back from 2-0 down to draw the series 2-2 in Stokes’ first series against Australia as captain.
• England defeated India at Edgbaston in 2022 after chasing down 378 in the fourth innings.

Conclusion:

It is safe to conclude that both Kohli and Stokes had tremendous success as Test captains of India and England, respectively, taking the game to new heights. However, based on the Men in Blue’s excellent away record under the right-handed batter’s captaincy, Kohli gets a slight edge over the English all-rounder. Stokes, however, would still go down as one of England’s best Test captains of all time.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.