Ambati Rayudu’s 'best captain' order leaves fans guessing: While MS Dhoni gets No.1 rank, Virat Kohli’s spot shocks all

Ambati Rayudu, former India batter, recently took on a blind ranking challenge of India’s cricket captains and the final list has left fans both curious and surprised.

The video, posted by ESPNcricinfo on their official X handle, revealed Rayudu's order without knowing the next name that would appear.

The first captain up was Sourav Ganguly. Rayudu took a brief pause before placing the "Prince of Kolkata" at number three. Next was Kapil Dev, India’s 1983 World Cup-winning skipper. He went into the fourth spot.



Rohit Sharma’s name followed. Rayudu, who shared years in the Mumbai Indians and Indian team setups with him, ranked Rohit at number two.

Virat Kohli's name was next. Rayudu slotted him in fifth place.

Kohli led India in 213 matches across formats, winning 135. His time as captain was known for its emphasis on fitness, aggression, and a dominant Test run — India held the top Test ranking for 42 months straight from October 2016.

Mohammad Azharuddin came next, filling the sixth spot.

With just one name and one spot left, it was no surprise who remained — MS Dhoni. Rayudu gave his former CSK and India captain the top rank.

The moment brought a smile to his face.

Dhoni led India in 332 games and secured all three ICC titles — 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy.

Rayudu’s final ranking stood as:
(1) MS Dhoni, (2) Rohit Sharma, (3) Sourav Ganguly, (4) Kapil Dev, (5) Virat Kohli, (6) Mohammad Azharuddin.