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Who Are The Test Veterans Who Debuted Before Rohit-Kohli And Are Yet To Retire?

Poulomi Chakraborty

Players who debut before RO-KO and haven't retired [Source: @SelflessCricket/x.com]Players who debut before RO-KO and haven't retired [Source: @SelflessCricket/x.com]

Before stepping into the upcoming Test series against England, the Indian cricket team suffered two major blows as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have hung up their boots from the longest format. After having glorious careers, the duo’s sudden retirement stunned the cricket world.

As they bid farewell to their Test careers, some of the Indian stars who made their Test debut before Ro-Ko and still have not retired. Some big names are gracing the list.

Indian Stars Who Made Their Test Debuts Before Ro-Ko 

After the Tendulkar-Dravid era, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma rose as the backbone of India’s Test batting. Debuting in 2011 and 2013, they left a lasting legacy before calling time on their Test careers. But there are a few stars who made their Test debuts before them and still not retired. Let’s explore the list.

1. Ishant Sharma

In Indian pace history, Ishant Sharma holds a special place. The Delhi-born bowler climbed the ranks with sheer skill, earning his first Test cap following a stellar run in domestic cricket. In May 2007, the Indian pacer made his Test debut against Bangladesh and later became an integral part of securing some outstanding wins.

In 105 Test matches, he secured 311 wickets with 11 five-wicket hauls and 10 four-wicket hauls. In February 2021, Ishant Sharma played his 100th Test match against England, becoming only the 11th player worldwide and the second Indian fast bowler to reach this milestone.

His high arm actions, combined with exceptional speed, often pose a challenge to the opponent batters. Having played his last Test match in 2021 against New Zealand, he wasn't seen in India’s Test jersey. Making his debut four years before Kohli and six years before Rohit, he is yet to announce his Test retirement.

2. Cheteshwar Pujara

After Rahul Dravid, Cheteshwar Pujara has been the one to carry forward the legacy of ‘The Wall’ with grit and determination. Making his Test debut in 2010, he’s known for his calm, resilient style and knack for wearing down bowlers. With solid technique, sharp footwork, and confidence against spin, Pujara thrives in long innings.

In 103 Tests, he scored 7195 runs along with 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. Showcasing his exceptional determination, Pujara is the only Indian batter to face more than 500 deliveries in a Test innings. Along with that, he has also faced the most deliveries as an Indian batter in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Even after being a monumental batter of the side, he has been absent from the squad after the WTC final in 2023. Making his debut a year before Kohli and three years before Rohit Sharma, Pujara is yet to take a call on his Test career.