MS Dhoni vs Rohit Sharma captaincy comparison – Who is India’s greatest captain?

There have been several distinguished leaders in world cricket, with India producing their fair share of leaders over the past so many years. India is arguably one of the most cricket-crazy nations. The nation has unearthed a multitude of treasures, and a lot of those budding cricketers have gone on to become cricketing greats, cementing their legacy as inspirations for ages to come.

MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma stand out as two of the prominent personalities when shedding light on captains who have led Indian cricket with all their hearts. Their captaincy styles are as contrasting as their on-field roles of being a wicketkeeper-batter and a top-order batter, respectively. Dhoni has always exuded his cool and composed nature in the most nerve-wracking of situations, calmly implementing his strategic acumen according to the match's situation. As far as Rohit is concerned, his demeanour on the pitch is of a more animated nature. However, he, too, is a man of few words, relying on his seasoned instincts to do the talking.

The average Indian cricket fan is as passionate and reactionary as they come. With Rohit recently adding the Champions Trophy 2025 trophy to his cabinet of silverware, the debate of being one of India's best would understandably be doing the rounds among the Indian cricket fraternity. And all the more so because he recently led India to their second T20 World Cup title last year. In doing so, he beat Dhoni to win two ICC limited-overs events without losing a single game. Hence, this seems to be the correct time to place their achievements together. 

ICC Trophies

MS Dhoni led India to clinch the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in 2007. Four years down the line, the Cricket World Cup 2011 was won by the co-hosts under the revered cricketer's guidance. The treble was finally completed in 2013, after India emerged as victors of the Champions Trophy.

Rohit gained access to white-ball captaincy in November 2021. Since then, he has been successful in winning the T20 World Cup 2024. His latest triumph, as mentioned above, comes in the form of the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy.

Other Titles

Dhoni has led the white-ball side to victory twice when it comes to the Asia Cup. The 2010 one, which was played in the ODI format, was Dhoni's first Asia Cup as captain. Asia Cup 2016, played as a 20-over tournament, was the second time he won it. The now defunct Champions League Twenty20 was won under Dhoni's leadership in 2010 and 2013.

As for Rohit Sharma, he led India to the Asia Cup triumph in 2018. He was appointed as the skipper of a heavily depleted setup that was missing quite a few big stars, including the then ODI skipper, Virat Kohli. He also won the Nidahas Trophy as the stand-in captain in the same year. Rohit captained the side in a permanent capacity to the Asia Cup win in 2023.

IPL Trophies

Dhoni, who has been the cornerstone of Chennai Super Kings since its inception in 2008, has led the franchise to five title triumphs in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, respectively.

Rohit was roped in by the Mumbai Indians in 2011. He became the franchise's captain in 2013. Since then, he has led the franchise from the front to five victories in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020, respectively.

Head-to-Head Captaincy Stats

Who is the better captain?

In terms of sheer numbers, Dhoni holds the edge. However, that does not mean to undermine the massive impact Rohit has brought upon on the Indian unit in terms of their overall approach and style of play. When analysed in full context, both Dhoni and Rohit have had an indispensable role to play for the Indian cricket team - both as captain and player.