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India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy made his One-Day International (ODI) debut in the second match of the three-match series against England at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, on Sunday, February 9.
Varun Chakravarthy’s ODI debut for India
At 33 years old, Chakravarthy has etched his name in the record books as India’s oldest ODI debutant since the team played its first match in 1974. His long-awaited debut adds him to the list of India’s oldest players to make their first appearance in ODIs. Ahead of the match, the seasoned spinner was presented with his maiden India ODI cap by veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in a special moment for the team.
England won the toss and opted to bat first, setting the stage for Chakravarthy to showcase his skills on debut. The mystery spinner made an immediate impact by dismissing Phil Salt for 26, claiming his maiden ODI wicket. His variations and accuracy provided a crucial breakthrough, underlining his value to India’s bowling attack.
Top 5 oldest players to make their ODI debut for India
1. Farokh Engineer: India’s oldest ODI debutant makes his mark in Leeds
Farokh Engineer, at 36 years and 138 days, became India’s oldest ODI debutant during the first ODI against England at Leeds on July 13, 1974. Batting at No. 5, he scored a steady 32 off 51 balls with three boundaries before being dismissed lbw by Chris Old. His knock helped India recover after early wickets, contributing to a total of 265 in 53.5 overs. In England’s chase, Engineer showcased his wicketkeeping skills by stumping David Lloyd off Eknath Solkar’s bowling. However, his efforts couldn’t prevent England from securing a four-wicket victory, with John Edrich‘s 90 guiding the hosts to a comfortable win.
2. Chakravarthy makes an impact on ODI debut with a crucial breakthrough
Chakravarthy, India’s mystery spinner, made his ODI debut in this match against England, becoming India’s second-oldest debutant in ODIs. The spinner, known for his variations and accuracy in T20 cricket, was given the responsibility of controlling the middle overs against a strong English batting lineup. Chakravarthy’s first ODI wicket came in the 11th over of England’s innings when he dismissed Phil Salt for 26 runs off 29 balls. The dismissal was a result of his deceptive line and length, luring Salt into a false shot, leading to a catch by Jadeja. This wicket ended England’s 81-run opening stand and gave India a crucial breakthrough after a strong start by the visitors.
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3. Ajit Wadekar: India’s third oldest ODI debutant leads from the front
Ajit Wadekar made his ODI debut at the age of 33 years and 103 days, becoming India’s third-oldest debutant in the format. Leading the team, he played a crucial knock of 67 runs off 82 balls, hitting ten boundaries and anchoring India’s innings. Brijesh Patel’s aggressive 82 off 78 balls helped India post a competitive 265 in 53.5 overs. In response, England chased down the target in 51.1 overs, winning by four wickets, powered by Edrich’s match-winning 90 off 97 balls. Solkar and Bishan Singh Bedi picked up two wickets each, but England’s batting depth secured the win. With this victory, England took a 1-0 lead in the two-match ODI series.
4. Dilip Doshi: A late bloomer shines on ODI debut
Dilip Doshi made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India at the age of 32 years and 230 days, making him the fourth-oldest player to debut in ODIs at the time. Despite his late entry into limited-overs cricket, Doshi showcased his skill immediately, delivering an impressive performance against Australia on December 6, 1980, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
In his very first ODI appearance, 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. His performance reinforced his reputation as a dependable bowler, even in the shorter format, despite primarily being known for his Test match exploits.
5. Syed Abid Ali: India’s Fifth-Oldest ODI Debutant
Syed Abid Ali made history as one of India’s first-ever ODI players when he debuted against England in the 1st ODI at Headingley, Leeds, on July 13, 1974. At the age of 32 years and 299 days, he became the fifth-oldest Indian cricketer to make his ODI debut, marking his entry into a format that was still in its infancy for Indian cricket.
In the match, Abid Ali showcased his all-round abilities but had a relatively quiet performance. Batting at No. 8, he contributed 17 runs off 24 balls at a strike rate of 70.83, adding crucial lower-order runs as India posted 265 in 53.5 overs. With the ball, he bowled a full quota of 9 overs, conceding 51 runs without taking a wicket at an economy rate of 5.66. Despite his efforts, England chased down the target comfortably, winning by four wickets with 23 balls to spare.
