Oldest Players to Make International Debut for India : Age is just a number in cricket, and several players have proven that making an international debut in their 30s is not an obstacle to success. One such inspiring name added to this list is Varun Chakaravarthy, who recently became India’s second-oldest ODI debutant at the age of 33 years and 164 days. His journey from architecture to international cricket is nothing short of remarkable.
Oldest Players to Make International Debut for India : 5 Oldest Players to Debut for India
Table of Contents
Top 5 Oldest Players to Debut for India in International Cricket
| Rank | Player | Age | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farokh Engineer | 36y 138d | England | Leeds | 1974 |
| 2 | Varun Chakaravarthy | 33y 164d | England | Cuttack | 2025 |
| 3 | Ajit Wadekar | 33y 103d | England | Leeds | 1974 |
| 4 | Dilip Doshi | 32y 350d | Australia | Melbourne | 1980 |
| 5 | Syed Abid Ali | 32y 307d | England | Leeds | 1974 |
1. Farokh Engineer – India’s Oldest ODI Debutant (36 years, 138 days)
A stylish wicketkeeper-batsman, Farokh Engineer made his ODI debut for India at 36 years and 138 days against England in Leeds in 1974. Known for his flamboyant stroke play and excellent glovework, Engineer was a vital part of the Indian team in the 1960s and 70s. His late debut in ODIs was due to the format being introduced much later in his career.
2. Varun Chakaravarthy – 33 Years, 164 Days
Varun Chakaravarthy‘s journey to international cricket is nothing short of extraordinary. Initially an architect, he left his profession to follow his passion for cricket, eventually breaking into the IPL, and later the Indian national team.
📌 ODI Debut: Against England in Cuttack, 2025
📌 T20I Success: Named Man of the Series in India’s 4-1 T20I win against England, taking 14 wickets at an average of 9.68.
📌 List A Record: Holds the best bowling average in List A cricket (14.13).
His late debut hasn’t stopped him from making an impact, and he continues to be a promising bowler in India’s white-ball setup.
3. Ajit Wadekar – 33 Years, 103 Days
A former India Test captain, Ajit Wadekar made his ODI debut at 33 years and 103 days against England in 1974. Wadekar was instrumental in leading India to historic Test victories against England and West Indies in 1971. Though his ODI career was short, he played a crucial role in shaping Indian cricket.
4. Dilip Doshi – 32 Years, 350 Days
A highly skilled left-arm spinner, Dilip Doshi made his international debut just 15 days before turning 33 against Australia in Melbourne, 1980. He was one of the rare players to make his debut after turning 30 but went on to have a successful career, taking 114 wickets in 33 Tests.
5. Syed Abid Ali – 32 Years, 307 Days
A dependable all-rounder, Syed Abid Ali made his ODI debut at 32 years and 307 days against England in 1974. Known for his medium-pace bowling and aggressive batting, he was an essential part of India’s team in the 1960s and 70s.
The stories of Farokh Engineer, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ajit Wadekar, Dilip Doshi, and Syed Abid Ali prove that age is no barrier in cricket. Whether it’s a young prodigy or a late bloomer, performance and perseverance ultimately determine success.
With Varun Chakaravarthy now carrying the torch, Indian cricket continues to celebrate talent at all ages. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see more players making their debut in their 30s in the coming years!
FAQs
Who is the oldest Indian player to debut in ODIs?
Farokh Engineer, at 36 years and 138 days.
At what age did Varun Chakaravarthy make his ODI debut?
33 years and 164 days.
