NEW DELHI: Varun Chakaravarthy made history on Sunday by becoming the oldest cricketer to debut for India in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) since their inaugural match in 1974.
The 33-year-old spinner received his maiden ODI cap from veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the second match of the three-ODI series against England at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
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At 33 years and 164 days, Varun is India’s oldest ODI debutant outside of their first-ever match in the format. The record for the oldest debutant remains with Farokh Engineer, who was 36 years and 138 days old when he played his first ODI in 1974.
Ajit Wadekar, also part of that historic 1974 match against England in Leeds, debuted at the age of 33 years and 103 days — making him the third-oldest after Engineer and Chakaravarthy.
Top Five Oldest ODI Debutants for India
- 1. Farokh Engineer – 36 years, 138 days (1974, vs England)
- 2. Varun Chakaravarthy – 33 years, 164 days (2024, vs England)
- 3. Ajit Wadekar – 33 years, 108 days (1974, vs England)
- 4. Dilip Doshi – 32 years, 350 days (1980, vs Australia)
- 5. Syed Abid Ali – 32 years, 307 days (1974, vs England)
Aside from this remarkable milestone, Varun boasts an exceptional List A bowling average of 14.13 — the best among bowlers with 50 or more wickets in the format.
In the second ODI, England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and opted to bat first. The visitors made three changes, bringing in Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Overton in place of Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, and Jofra Archer.
India, leading the series 1-0 after a four-wicket win in Nagpur, made two changes to their lineup. Virat Kohli returned, replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal, while Chakaravarthy made his ODI debut in place of Kuldeep Yadav, who was rested.
With the series on the line for England, both teams were set for an intense battle in Cuttack.