Limited-overs cricket is typically viewed as a sport for fitter players, often under the age of 30. The fast-paced nature of white-ball cricket requires peak fitness and athleticism across all aspects of the game.
While much is made of young cricketers making an early impact, Indian cricket has also seen a few late bloomers who left a lasting impression after making their ODI debuts past the age of 30.
5. Syed Abid Ali – 32y 307d vs England, Leeds, 1974
Syed Abid Ali, the former Indian speedster, made his ODI debut at 32 years and 307 days against England in Leeds in 1974.
His debut performance didn’t go as planned, as he went wicketless, conceding 51 runs in nine overs during a four-wicket loss.
He played five ODIs for India, with his final appearance in 1975.
4. Dilip Doshi – 32y 350d vs Australia, Melbourne, 1980
Left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi made his ODI debut at 32 years and 350 days in 1980 against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
In his debut match, he took 3/32, playing a key role in India’s 66-run victory.
Doshi claimed 22 wickets in 15 ODIs, with his best figures being 4/30.
3. Ajit Wadekar – 33y 103d vs England, Leeds, 1974
Ajit Wadekar made his ODI debut at 33 years and 103 days in India’s first-ever ODI match against England in Leeds in 1974.
He made an immediate impact, scoring 67 runs off 82 balls, including 10 fours, helping India post a competitive total of 265.
Wadekar played just two ODIs, with his final appearance coming later that year at the Oval.
2. Varun Chakravarthy – 33y 164d vs England, Cuttack, 2025
Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy made his ODI debut at 33 years and 164 days against England in Cuttack in February 2025.
He claimed his first ODI wicket in his second over, showcasing his potential early on.
Before his debut, Varun had played 23 List A games, taking 59 wickets at an average of 14.13.
1. Farookh Engineer – 36y 138d vs England, Leeds, 1974
Farookh Engineer holds the record as the oldest Indian player to make an ODI debut, at 36 years and 138 days, against England in 1974 in Leeds.
He made a useful contribution in his debut match, scoring 32 runs off 51 balls.
Engineer played five ODIs in total, finishing his career with 114 runs, including one half-century.