Varun Chakaravarthy recently became the oldest cricketer to debut for India in One Day Internationals (ODIs) since their first match in 1974. At 33 years and 164 days old, Chakaravarthy received his ODI cap from Ravindra Jadeja before the second match against England at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Here is a list of the top five oldest ODI debutants:
#1. Varun Chakaravarthy:
On February 9, 2025, Varun Chakaravarthy debuted for India in ODIs at the age of 33 years and 164 days, making him the oldest cricketer to debut in ODIs since the format’s inception in 1974 by dismissing England opener Phil Salt during the same match. He achieved this feat by having Salt caught by Jadeja after he attempted a sweep shot, marking a significant moment as it was also India’s first wicket of the game.
#2. Dilip Doshi:
Dilip Doshi, at 32 years and 350 days old, was one of the oldest Indian players to take a wicket on his ODI debut. In his debut ODI against Australia on December 6, 1980, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Doshi played a pivotal role in India’s 66-run victory, claiming 3 wickets for 32 runs in 10 overs. His disciplined left- arm spin restricted Australia’s batting lineup, dismissing key players Greg Chappell, Allan Border, and Doug Walters.
#3. Krishnappa Gowtham:
Krishnappa Gowtham is the third-oldest Indian to take a wicket on ODI debut. The record for the oldest debutant to pick up a wicket in ODIs overall belongs to Pakistan’s Zulfiqar Babar, who achieved this feat at 35 years and 301 days against Australia in 2014
In contrast, the record for the oldest player to take a Test wicket in India is held by John Traicos, a former Zimbabwe off-spinner. Traicos was 45 years and 10 months old when he achieved this feat in a match in Delhi in 1993.
