Cricket, introduced by the British in England, found its deepest roots and widest acclaim in India, where it has become not just a sport but a fervent passion.
Despite the fierce competition and the challenges posed by the nation’s immense population, several young talents have managed to break through and earn a coveted spot in the illustrious Indian national team.
To shine a spotlight on these stars, let’s delve into the top 10 Youngest Cricketers in India, ranked based on their age at the time of their international debut.
Let’s take a look at the Top 10 Youngest Cricketers in India, ranked based on their age at the time of their international debut:
| Rank | Player | Age at Debut |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | 16Y-205 Days |
| 2 | Parthiv Patel | 17Y-153 Days |
| 3 | Maninder Singh | 17Y-193 Days |
| 4 | Harbhajan Singh | 17Y-288 Days |
| 5 | Washington Sundar | 18Y-80 Days |
| 6 | Prithvi Shaw | 18Y-319 Days |
| 7 | Rishabh Pant | 19Y-128 Days |
| 8 | Ishant Sharma | 19Y-120 Days |
| 9 | Rahul Chahar | 20Y-2 Days |
| 10 | Suresh Raina | 20Y-4 Days |
1. Sachin Tendulkar – (16Y-205 Days)
Widely regarded as the “God of Cricket,” Sachin Tendulkar made his debut on the international stage at a tender age of 16 years and 205 days against Pakistan in 1989. His unmatched talent, dedication, and unyielding spirit propelled him to unprecedented heights, making him a global icon and a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide.
Career Highlights: Notable for becoming the youngest cricketer to play for India and for his unparalleled records and achievements in international cricket.
2. Parthiv Patel – (17Y-153 Days)
Hailing from Ahmedabad, Parthiv Patel defied stereotypes with his diminutive stature and made his mark as a wicket-keeper-batsman. Debuting at 17 years and 153 days against England in 2002, Patel showcased remarkable skill and determination, earning recognition despite occasional batting inconsistencies.
Career Highlights: Known for his wicket-keeping skills and occasional explosive batting performances, particularly in domestic cricket.
3. Maninder Singh – (17Y-193 Days)
A stalwart of Indian cricket during the 1980s, Maninder Singh’s mastery of spin bowling left an indelible mark on the sport. Debuting against Pakistan at 17 years and 193 days, Singh’s contributions to the Indian team were invaluable, playing a pivotal role in several memorable victories.
Career Highlights: Renowned for his exceptional spin bowling and significant contributions to the Indian cricket team during the 1980s.
4. Harbhajan Singh – (17Y-288 Days)
Known for his mesmerizing spin bowling, Harbhajan Singh faced the formidable Australian squad in his debut match at 17 years and 288 days old. Over the years, he etched his name in cricketing history, playing a crucial role in India’s triumphs, including the historic 2011 World Cup victory.
Career Highlights: Celebrated for his prolific off-spin bowling and pivotal role in India’s major victories, including the 2011 World Cup.
5. Washington Sundar – (18Y-80 Days)
Hailing from Chennai, Washington Sundar burst onto the international scene with a stellar performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy of 2021. His exceptional all-round skills and composure under pressure earned him accolades, positioning him as a key player for the future of Indian cricket.
Career Highlights: Acknowledged for his all-round skills and impactful performances, especially in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy of 2021.
6. Prithvi Shaw – (18Y-319 Days)
Prithvi Shaw’s meteoric rise in Indian cricket saw him garner attention with a monumental 546-run inning during his teenage years. With a debut century against the West Indies in 2018 at 18 years and 319 days, Shaw’s elegant stroke play drew comparisons to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
Career Highlights: Remembered for his remarkable debut century against the West Indies and being touted as the next Sachin Tendulkar.
7. Rishabh Pant – (19Y-128 Days)
Known for his aggressive batting style, Rishabh Pant emerged as India’s dynamic middle-order batsman with his fearless approach. Debuting at 19 years and 128 days against England in 2018, Pant’s swashbuckling innings endeared him to cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Career Highlights: Known for his aggressive batting style and match-winning innings, particularly in test cricket.
8. Ishant Sharma – (19Y-120 Days)
Standing tall at 6.4 feet, Ishant Sharma’s imposing presence on the field struck fear into opposing batsmen. Making his debut against South Africa at 19 years and 120 days in 2007, Sharma’s relentless pace and impeccable line earned him accolades throughout his illustrious career.
Career Highlights: Renowned for his intimidating pace and longevity in international cricket, with over 100 test matches to his name.
9. Rahul Chahar – (20Y-2 Days)
Rahul Chahar’s adept leg-spin bowling skills caught the attention of cricket aficionados, particularly during his impressive stint with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. At 20 years and 2 days old, Chahar donned the Indian T20I cap, showcasing his control and consistency on the international stage.
Career Highlights: Recognized for his impressive leg-spin bowling and consistent performances in the Indian Premier League.
10. Suresh Raina – (20Y-4 Days)
A stalwart of Indian cricket, Suresh Raina’s aggressive batting style left an indelible mark on the sport. Making his ODI debut at 20 years and 4 days against Sri Lanka in 2005, Raina’s invaluable contributions propelled India to numerous victories, including the historic 2011 World Cup triumph.
Career Highlights: Celebrated for his explosive batting and invaluable contributions to India’s success, including the 2011 World Cup triumph.
Youngest Indian Player in IPL:
Ishan Kishan – (18 Years) Ishan Kishan, hailing from Jharkhand, emerged as the youngest Indian player to make a mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Debuting for the Gujarat Lions in 2016 at the age of 18, Kishan showcased his explosive batting prowess, captivating audiences with his fearless stroke play.
Since then, he has become a vital cog in the Mumbai Indians lineup, solidifying his reputation as one of the most promising young talents in Indian cricket.
Fan Poll:
We’d love to hear from you! Who among these young cricketers do you think has the potential to become the next cricketing legend for India? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
1. Shubman Gill: A highly talented right-handed opening batsman who has made a mark with his performances for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
2. Ruturaj Gaikwad: A right-handed opening batsman, known for his consistent performances for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
3. Ishan Kishan: A left-handed top-order batsman and wicketkeeper, known for his powerful strokeplay.
4. Prithvi Shaw: A right-handed batsman, who has already achieved remarkable feats in his young career.
5. Devdutt Padikkal: A left-handed opener, known for his consistent performances for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
6. Avesh Khan: A talented right-arm fast bowler, who has emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the ongoing IPL.
7. Rahul Chahar: A talented young spinner, who has showcased his skills for Mumbai Indians.
8. Chetan Sakariya: A left-arm medium pacer, who made headlines with his outstanding performances in IPL 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did Sachin Tendulkar play his first test match?
Sachin Tendulkar debuted in test cricket at the tender age of 16, facing Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack in 1989.
2. How many wickets did Harbhajan Singh take in test cricket?
Harbhajan Singh scalped a remarkable 417 wickets in 103 test matches, cementing his legacy as one of India’s premier off-spinners.
3. Who is the second youngest cricketer to play for India?
Following Sachin Tendulkar, Parthiv Patel emerged as the second youngest cricketer to represent India, debuting at 17 years and 153 days against England in 2002.
4. How many runs has Rishabh Pant scored in test cricket?
As of December 2023, Rishabh Pant has amassed 2,271 runs in 33 test matches, including five centuries, showcasing his prowess with the bat on the international stage.
James Paul is a former first-class cricketer and passionate cricket analyst. His decades of experience on the field and his love for the game shape his insights into the strategies and personalities that define world-class cricket.