Oldest Indian Cricketers to Make Their ODI Debut ft. Varun Chakravarthy

India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy became the latest cricketer to make his ODI debut at an older age. The 33-year-old received his maiden cap from Ravindra Jadeja during the second ODI against England on February 9, 2025, in Cuttack.

Varun, who had a brilliant T20I series against England, where he took 14 wickets in five matches, became India’s second-oldest ODI debutant. The record for the oldest Indian player to debut in ODIs is held by Farokh Engineer, who played his first match at 36 years and 138 days in 1974.

Here’s a look at the five oldest players to make their ODI debut for India:

1. Farokh Engineer – 36 years, 138 days (vs England, Leeds, 1974)

Farokh Engineer holds the record for being India’s oldest ODI debutant. He played his first match against England at Leeds in 1974, where he scored 32 runs off 51 balls.

His ODI career lasted just five matches, in which he scored 114 runs, including a half-century. His last game was against New Zealand in 1975.

2. Varun Chakravarthy – 33 years, 164 days (vs England, Cuttack, 2025)

Varun Chakravarthy made his ODI debut at 33 years and 164 days against England in Cuttack. He made an immediate impact, picking up his first wicket in just his second over.

Before this, he had played 23 List A matches, taking 59 wickets at an average of 14.13 and an economy of 4.28.

3. Ajit Wadekar – 33 years, 103 days (vs England, Leeds, 1974)

Ajit Wadekar played India’s first-ever ODI match and made his debut at 33 years and 103 days. He made an instant impact, scoring 67 runs off 82 balls, which helped India post a total of 265 in 55 overs.

Despite this strong performance, he played only two ODIs, with his last match coming later that year at The Oval.

4. Dilip Doshi – 32 years, 350 days (vs Australia, Melbourne, 1980)

Dilip Doshi, a left-arm spinner, made his ODI debut at 32 years and 350 days against Australia in Melbourne in 1980. He had a dream start, taking 3/32, which helped India secure a 66-run victory.

Known for his ability to deceive batters with flight, he played 15 ODIs, taking 22 wickets, with his best figures being 4/30.

5. Syed Abid Ali – 32 years, 307 days (vs England, Leeds, 1974)

Syed Abid Ali, a pace-bowling all-rounder, made his debut at 32 years and 307 days against England in Leeds. However, his first match did not go well, as he went wicketless, conceding 51 runs in nine overs.

His ODI career lasted only five matches, with his final game played in 1975.