Which Indian captain was the first to score three consecutive centuries in One Day International cricket?

Introduction / Context:
Modern cricket records often focus on batting milestones achieved in limited overs formats like One Day Internationals. Centuries scored in consecutive matches are considered a sign of outstanding consistency and form. This question asks about the first Indian captain who scored three consecutive centuries in ODIs, a historic achievement that is frequently highlighted in cricket general knowledge and competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The format is One Day International cricket, not Tests or Twenty20.
• The achievement is three consecutive centuries, that is three back to back ODI hundreds.
• The player must have been captain during that sequence.
• Options include Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Shikhar Dhawan, and Sourav Ganguly.

Concept / Approach:
The approach is to recall which Indian captain is known for multiple ODI records and a particularly dominant run of centuries. Virat Kohli is recognised as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time and has several sequences of consecutive hundreds. As captain, he became the first Indian to score three ODI centuries in a row. The other options are also prominent batsmen and captains, but they did not achieve this specific record as captains in ODIs.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on Indian captains known for large numbers of ODI hundreds, mainly Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, and Sourav Ganguly.Step 2: Recall that Virat Kohli has many ODI records including fastest to multiple century milestones and several streaks of consecutive hundreds.Step 3: Remember that his three consecutive ODI centuries as captain were widely reported and celebrated as a major record.Step 4: Confirm that other listed players, while great batsmen, are not associated with this particular record as captains.Step 5: Conclude that Virat Kohli is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
The record can be verified by checking official ODI statistics and match logs for Indian captains.News articles and cricket boards highlight Virat Kohli as the first Indian captain to hit three consecutive ODI centuries.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Rohit Sharma has several double centuries in ODIs and many hundreds, but as captain he did not first reach the record of three consecutive hundreds. MS Dhoni is a legendary captain and finisher but is not known for consecutive centuries. Shikhar Dhawan has an excellent record as an opener but never had such a captaincy record. Sourav Ganguly scored many runs and changed the attitude of Indian cricket, yet he did not have three back to back ODI centuries as captain.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse different records, such as most double centuries, most runs in a series, or fastest to a certain run tally. Another pitfall is focusing on overall popularity or leadership skills instead of the exact statistic mentioned in the question. To avoid confusion, it is important to read the phrase three consecutive centuries as captain carefully and associate it specifically with Virat Kohli in ODIs.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Virat Kohli, who became the first Indian captain to score three consecutive centuries in One Day International cricket.