Top 5 oldest Indian cricketers to make ODI debut

Three Indian cricketers have made their ODI debut after turning 33.

Limited-overs cricket is often seen as a game of fitter players, ergo those around the age of 30 and less. The fast-paced nature of white-ball cricket demands top-level fitness and athleticism in all three departments of the game.

We often talk about cricketers who debut at a young age and make an impact early in their careers. However, Indian cricket has also seen a few late bloomers who made their mark after debuting in ODIs beyond the age of 30.

In this article, we will take a look at top five oldest cricketers to make ODI debut for India.

Top five oldest Indian cricketers to make ODI debut:

5. Syed Abid Ali – 32y 307d vs England, Leeds, 1974

Former Indian speedster Syed Abid Ali began his ODI career at the age of 32 years and 307 days, making his debut against England in 1974 at Leeds.

His debut didn’t go as planned as he went wicketless, conceding 51 runs in nine overs in a four-wicket loss. He played five ODIs for India, with his last game coming in 1975.

4. Dilip Doshi – 32y 350d vs Australia, Melbourne, 1980

Left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi made his ODI debut in 1980 against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), at the age of 32 years and 350 days. He played a crucial role in India’s victory on his debut, taking 3/32 in a 66-run win.

Known for deceiving batsmen with his flight, Doshi took 22 wickets in 15 ODIs, with his best figures being 4/30.

3. Ajit Wadekar – 33y 103d vs England, Leeds, 1974

Top-order batter Ajit Wadekar made his ODI debut for India at the age of 33 years and 103 days against England in 1974 at Leeds, in India’s first-ever ODI match.

He made an instant impact, scoring 67 off 82 balls with 10 fours. His knock helped India post a competitive total of 265 in 55 overs.

Wadekar played only two ODIs in his career, with his last one coming at the Oval in the same year.

2. Varun Chakravarthy – 33y 164d vs England, Cuttack 2025

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy is the latest to join this list. Chakravarthy made his ODI debut at the age of 33 years and 164 days against England in Cuttack in February 2025. Varun took his maiden ODI wicket in his second over.

Before his debut, Varun played 23 List A games, taking 59 wickets at an average of 14.13 and an economy rate of 4.28.

1. Farookh Engineer – 36y 138d vs England, Leeds 1974

Farookh Engineer holds the record for being the oldest player to make ODI debut for India. Farookh made his ODI debut at the age of 36 years and 138 days. Playing his first game against England in 1974 at Leeds, Farookh played a useful knock of 32 runs off 51 balls.

His last ODI was against New Zealand in Manchester a year later. He finished his ODI career with 114 runs in five games, including one half-century.

(All stats are updated till 9th February 2025)

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