Several Indian cricketers made their international debuts later than expected, often after years of consistent domestic performances. Players like Rahul Dravid, Sameer Dighe and Anil Kumble at 22, waited for opportunities due to tough competition. Others like Pravin Amre debuted even later, at age 41.
1. Sameer Dighe
- Debut: Test debut at age 32 in 2001 against Australia in the historic series, often remembered as the “Border-Gavaskar Trophy”.
- Notable Moment: Dighe played a crucial role in India’s famous victory in the Chennai Test, which helped India clinch the series 2-1. His unbeaten 22 runs in the second innings were vital in a nail-biting finish.
- Career: He played only 6 Tests and 23 ODIs for India, with his career cut short by the emergence of younger wicketkeepers like MS Dhoni.
- Post-Career: After retiring, he worked as a coach and a cricket administrator, including a brief stint as the coach of the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team.
2. Rahul Dravid
- Debut: Test debut at age 23 in 1996 against England at Lord’s, an age considered a bit late for modern international cricketers.
- Reason for Late Debut: Dravid had a long and consistent domestic career, but the Indian team was stacked with talented middle-order batsmen like Sachin Tendulkar and Mohammad Azharuddin. His perseverance paid off when he finally got his chance, scoring 95 on debut.
- Career: Dravid went on to become one of India’s greatest cricketers, playing 164 Tests and 344 ODIs, earning the nickname “The Wall” for his rock-solid defense.
3. Anil Kumble
- Debut: Test debut at age 20 in 1990 against England.
- Delayed Impact: Although Kumble debuted at a young age, it took a few years for him to cement his place in the Indian team. It wasn’t until the mid-1990s that he became India’s premier spin bowler.
- Career: Kumble played 132 Tests and 271 ODIs, taking over 950 international wickets, becoming India’s highest wicket-taker in both formats. His late rise to prominence did not hinder his career longevity.
4. Pravin Amre
- Debut: Test debut at age 24 in 1992 against South Africa.
- Reason for Late Debut: Amre had been performing well in domestic cricket for a few years before finally getting a chance to represent India. His debut was remarkable, as he scored a century in his very first Test innings in Durban.
- Career: Despite his strong debut, Amre’s international career was short-lived, with only 11 Tests and 37 ODIs. He later became a successful coach.
5. Vijay Bharadwaj
- Debut: ODI debut at age 24 in 1999, and Test debut shortly after at 25.
- Reason for Late Debut: Bharadwaj was a consistent performer in domestic cricket for Karnataka, excelling with both bat and ball, which eventually earned him a place in the Indian team.
- Career: He played just 3 Tests and 10 ODIs for India but was part of the Indian team that won the 1999 LG Cup. After retirement, he transitioned to coaching.
These cricketers demonstrate that while some may start their international careers later than others, their impact can still be significant. Sameer Dighe’s debut and contribution to India’s historic win in 2001 stands as a testament to perseverance and late-blooming success in cricket.