Rohit Sharma becomes India’s oldest ODI player ahead of Afghanistan clash

Former India captain Rohit Sharma is set to make a highly anticipated return to One-Day International (ODI) cricket in the three-match series against Afghanistan, with the opening match scheduled for June 13 in Dharamsala. After undergoing fitness assessments, Rohit has been cleared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team and is available for selection.

His appearance in the first ODI will see him achieve a significant milestone in Indian cricket. At 39 years and 44 days of age, Rohit will become the oldest Indian cricketer to play an ODI match, surpassing the long-standing record held by former all-rounder Mohinder Amarnath. Amarnath was 39 years and 36 days old when he made his final ODI appearance.

On the global list of oldest ODI players, former Netherlands cricketer Nolan Clarke remains at the top, having played an ODI at the age of 47 years and 257 days. Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar is the third-oldest Indian to have featured in the format, playing his last ODI at 38 years and 329 days.

The Afghanistan series is expected to mark the beginning of India’s preparations for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Rohit had been managing a hamstring niggle during the Indian Premier League but has now regained full fitness and is ready for international action.

Meanwhile, star batter Virat Kohli will miss the series due to a hamstring injury. India is expected to play around 25 ODI matches before the 2027 World Cup, giving the team management ample opportunities to test different combinations. Rohit is likely to open the batting alongside captain Shubman Gill, while Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal are among the contenders to fill the No. 3 position in Kohli’s absence.

Oldest players to player for India