Top 5 oldest Indian cricketers to make Test debut

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on August 15. While the squad features several established names, one selection that grabbed attention was Saransh Jain. The 33-year-old all-rounder received his maiden Test call-up after consistently performing in domestic cricket and is expected to get an opportunity during the series, especially with Sri Lankan conditions traditionally favouring spin bowlers.

Jain’s inclusion also highlights that age is not always a barrier to representing India in the longest format. Over the years, several cricketers have earned their maiden Test cap well into their late 30s or even 40s, proving that perseverance and performances can eventually be rewarded.

Here are the five oldest Indian cricketers to make Test debut:

5. Shute Banerjee – 37 years, 124 days

Former medium pacer Shute Banerjee made his Test debut for India at the age of 37 years and 124 days against the West Indies at the Brabourne Stadium. He enjoyed a memorable start to his international career by claiming five wickets in the match, making an immediate impact with the ball.

Although his Test career was brief, Banerjee was a highly successful performer in domestic cricket. Across 135 First-Class matches, he scored 3,715 runs and picked up 385 wickets, underlining his value as a dependable all-round cricketer.

4. Keki Tarapore – 37 years, 329 days

Keki Tarapore made his Test debut at 37 years and 329 days against the West Indies in Delhi. Despite his vast experience in domestic cricket, he represented India in just one Test match.

Tarapore was one of the leading bowlers in the domestic circuit during his playing days. He claimed 148 wickets in 40 First-Class matches, earning recognition for his consistency and control. However, his international career never extended beyond a solitary appearance.

3. Amir Elahi – 39 years, 102 days

Amir Elahi debuted for India at the age of 39 years and 102 days during the 1947 Test against Australia in Sydney. The experienced all-rounder went on to play six Test matches in his international career.

Elahi enjoyed a distinguished First-Class career, where he took an impressive 513 wickets in 125 matches. His longevity and effectiveness in domestic cricket eventually earned him an opportunity at the highest level despite making his debut close to the age of 40.

2. Cotar Ramaswami – 40 years, 39 days

Former all-rounder Cotar Ramaswami received his maiden Test cap at 40 years and 39 days during India’s tour of England in 1936. Making his debut in Manchester, Ramaswami impressed with the bat, scoring 40 runs in the first innings and following it up with 60 in the second, showcasing his experience against quality opposition.

He featured in only two Test matches for India but had a productive domestic career, scoring 2,400 First-Class runs and taking 30 wickets. After retirement, Ramaswami remained closely associated with Indian cricket, serving as the manager of India’s first tour of the West Indies in 1953 and later working as a national selector during the late 1950s.

1. Rustomji Jamshedji – 41 years, 27 days

At the top of the list is Rustomji Jamshedji, who remains the oldest Indian to make a Test debut. He made his first and only Test appearance at 41 years and 27 days against England in Mumbai on December 15, 1933.

Jamshedji produced a commendable bowling effort in his debut, finishing with figures of 3/137 in 35 overs, although India suffered a nine-wicket defeat. Despite not receiving another opportunity at the international level, he enjoyed a successful domestic career, claiming 134 wickets in 29 First-Class matches.