Top 10 Youngest Cricket Player to Debut for India (International) - Updated 2025

Cricket in India isn't just a game. It's an emotion for the whole nation. For millions of aspiring cricketers, donning the Indian jersey on the international stage is the ultimate dream. However, only a select few manage to make that dream a reality at an age that seems almost unbelievable. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 youngest cricketer in India on the world stage. These immensely talented players have attracted fans and made their mark in the game at a time with their skills. From teenagers who played with the confidence of veterans to young stars who soon became household names, each of these players has contributed to Indian cricket in their own ways.

How We Ranked the Youngest Cricket Player Debut for India - Ranking Factors

The ranking of the top 10 youngest cricketer in India is based solely on their age at the time of their international debut, calculated in years, months, and days.

• Age at Debut (in Days): We have ranked all the players on the basis of their age and created a list of the top 10 youngest cricketer in India. It is the primary and most objective factor; younger debutants rank higher.
• Format of Debut (Test, ODI, T20I): Test debut at a younger age may carry more weight due to the format's difficulty and prestige. This becomes one of the secondary factors to rank the youngest cricketer in India.
• Opponent Strength at Time of Debut: Debuting against a top-ranked or historically strong side (like Australia or Pakistan) adds significance and has been kept in mind while ranking the youngest cricketer in India.
• Match Context & Pressure: Whether the debut was during a major tournament, away tour, or high-pressure series influences the ranking as a secondary factor and helps us to rank the youngest cricketer in India.
• Impact on Debut Match: Performance in their first game, even a small but notable contribution, adds to a debut's credibility and gives us an idea about how impactful a youngster was in their first game.
• Selection Rationale & Hype: Whether the player was fast-tracked due to exceptional talent, domestic dominance, or public/media buzz has been considered while ranking the youngest Indian cricketer.
• Legacy Post Debut: How their career unfolded after debut, this isn’t a core factor, but can be considered just to keep track of their career after debut and has been kept in mind while ranking the youngest Indian cricketer.

Top 10 Youngest Player to Debut in International Cricket - Updated List

In world cricket, there have been several players who are among the youngest cricket players ever to make their international debut. At a very young age, these players stepped onto the field to represent their country, capturing the attention of cricket fans across the globe. This extraordinary achievement has placed the spotlight on them, showcasing not only immense talent but also the confidence and trust shown by selectors.

Youngest Player to Debut in International Cricket

Hasan Raza is known as the youngest player to ever play international cricket. He made his Test debut for Pakistan against Zimbabwe on October 24, 1996, when he was just 14 years and 227 days old. His early debut surprised many and got a lot of attention around the world. However, some people have questioned if his age was accurate. Even with the doubts, the record still stands officially. Raza’s international career didn’t last long, but his debut is still remembered as a unique and historic moment in cricket.

10. Rishabh Pant | 19 years, 3 months, 28 days

Rishabh Pant burst onto the scene with his fearless batting and cheeky wicketkeeping. Debuting on February 1, 2017, in a T20I against England, he was just 19 years, 3 months, and 28 days old. Pant’s aggressive style and never-say-die attitude made him a fan favourite quickly. From smashing sixes in tough chases to pulling off stunning catches, he has become a key player in India’s Test and white-ball setups. His debut was just the start of a rollercoaster career that’s already seen epic knocks, like his match-winning 89* in Brisbane in 2021. He is among the top 10 youngest cricket player of all time for the Indian team.

9. Ishant Sharma | 18 years, 11 months, 28 days

Ishant Sharma, the tall pacer, debuted on May 25, 2007, in a Test against Bangladesh at 18 years, 11 months, and 28 days. His pace and bounce troubled batsmen early on, especially during India’s 2008 Australia tour, where he rattled Ricky Ponting.
Ishant has been a consistent performer for India and has picked up over 300 Test wickets. He started his career as a teenager, and it turned out to be long and successful career. He was one of the youngest player in international cricket at the time of his debut.

8. Prithvi Shaw | 18 years, 10 months, 25 days

Prithvi Shaw was a teenage prodigy who carried the “next Tendulkar” tag. He debuted on October 4, 2018, in a Test against the West Indies at 18 years, 10 months, and 25 days. Shaw smashed a century on debut and became the youngest Indian to do so in Tests. His hand-eye coordination is compared to Virendra Sehwag.

Shaw's stylish strikes and attacking mindset made everyone talk about him, but injuries and inconsistency have slowed down his career rise. Despite this, the hundred on debut has shown why he is one to watch out for in the future.

7. Washington Sundar | 18 years, 2 months, 8 days

Washington Sundar, the calm all-rounder, made his international debut in a T20I against Sri Lanka on December 13, 2017, at the age of 18 years, 2 months, and 8 days. He is known for his tight off-spin and handy lower-order batting. Sundar has been an all-round asset. His Test debut in Australia in 2021, where he scored a gritty 62 and took key wickets, proved he could handle pressure. Sundar’s quiet confidence and skill make him a player with a bright future. He was one of the youngest player in cricket at the time of his debut.

6. Chetan Sharma | 17 years, 11 months, 5 days

Chetan Sharma was a pace sensation when he debuted on December 23, 1983, in an ODI against the West Indies at 17 years, 11 months, and 5 days. His swing bowling troubled batsmen, and he made history by taking the first-ever World Cup hat-trick in 1987. Though his career had ups and downs, Sharma’s debut as a teenager showed India’s knack for spotting fast-bowling talent early. He is one of the youngest player in cricket history.

5. Harbhajan Singh | 17 years, 9 months, 16 days

The “Turbanator,” Harbhajan Singh, spun his way into India’s team on March 25, 1998, in a Test against Australia at 17 years, 9 months, and 16 days. His strong determination and amazing off-spin bowling made him a legend of this sport. Harbhajan’s 32 wickets in the 2001 Test series against Australia cemented his place in history. Debuting so young, he showed nerves of steel against a mighty Aussie side. His cricket career and performances led him to take 400 wickets in Test matches. He was among the youngest player in indian cricket team at that time.

4. Piyush Chawla | 17 years, 8 months, 10 days

Piyush Chawla, the leg-spinning all-rounder, debuted on March 9, 2006, in a Test against England at 17 years, 8 months, and 10 days. The way he bowled his googly and also his attacking mindset made him a promising talent. While his international career was inconsistent, Chawla shone in the IPL and domestic cricket. His debut as a teenager against a strong side like England highlighted his potential in the upcoming years. He is one of the youngest player in cricket history.

3. Parthiv Patel | 17 years, 5 months, 0 days

Parthiv Patel, the pint-sized wicketkeeper-batsman, made his international debut on August 8, 2002, in a Test against England at 17 years, 5 months exactly. At that time, he was the youngest player in Indian cricket team. His quick glove work and batting talent were evident, though MS Dhoni’s rise limited his chances. Parthiv’s debut as a teenager, handling a tough English attack, proved his potential. He later became a reliable domestic star and one of the experienced players in the IPL.

2. Maninder Singh | 17 years, 4 months, 28 days

Maninder Singh, a left-arm spinner, debuted on January 9, 1983, in an ODI against Pakistan at 17 years, 4 months, and 28 days which puts him at the 2nd position on the list of the youngest cricket player in India. Seen as Bishan Bedi’s successor, his flight and turn troubled batsmen in the 1980s. While he played 35 Tests and took 88 wickets, his career didn’t quite hit the heights expected. Still, debuting so young against a strong Pakistan side was no small feat.

1. Sachin Tendulkar | 16 years, 6 months, 23 days

The youngest cricket player in India ever is Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted on November 15, 1989, in a Test against Pakistan at 16 years, 6 months, and 23 days. Facing a fearsome attack from Wasim Akram and Imran Khan, he showed remarkable courage. Tendulkar went on to become cricket’s greatest, with 100 international centuries and over 34,000 runs. His debut as a 16-year-old was the sparkle of a 24-year legacy that changed the game.