Rohit Sharma Makes History as Oldest ODI Player for India
Historic ODI Appearance for Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma has etched his name in the record books by being included in India's lineup for the first ODI against Afghanistan, held on Saturday (June 13) at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala. At 39 years old, he was part of the team led by Shubman Gill, which won the toss and opted to bowl first in a match shortened to 25 overs per side. This match marks Rohit's return to the Indian team after a six-month hiatus, as he has not participated in T20I or Test formats recently. His last appearance for India was during an ODI against New Zealand in January at Indore, coinciding with his 39th birthday celebration.
Rohit Sharma's Record-Breaking Achievement
Rohit Sharma has made history by becoming the oldest player to represent India in ODI cricket, surpassing the previous record held by Mohinder Amarnath since 1983. Additionally, he is the first Indian cricketer to play an ODI in the 21st century after turning 39. The last Indian to play ODI cricket at such an age was Sachin Tendulkar.
Oldest Indian Player Against Afghanistan
| Player | Age | Opponent | Venue | Year |
| Rohit Sharma | 39 years, 44 days | Afghanistan | Dharamshala | 2026 |
| Mohinder Amarnath | 39 years, 36 days | West Indies | Mumbai (Wankhede) | 1989 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 38 years, 329 days | Pakistan | Mirpur | 2012 |
| Rahul Dravid | 38 years, 248 days | England | Cardiff | 2011 |
| Sunil Gavaskar | 38 years, 118 days | England | Mumbai (Wankhede) | 1987 |
Rohit Sharma is now recognized as the oldest Indian to participate in any limited-overs format, with Rahul Dravid holding the record for the oldest T20I appearance at 38 years and 232 days during a match against England in 2011.
Rohit Sharma: 10th Oldest Indian in International Cricket
Rohit Sharma ranks as the 10th oldest Indian to play international cricket, with all previous instances occurring in Test matches. The list includes notable players such as Vinoo Mankad, Lala Amarnath, and Sachin Tendulkar, who played at older ages than Rohit. If he participates in the 2027 World Cup, he will be second on the list, following Mankad. Rohit is also approaching the 19th anniversary of his ODI debut later this month (June 23). His ODI career, which has spanned 18 years and 355 days, is the second longest for an Indian cricketer, only behind Sachin Tendulkar's record of 22 years and 91 days. Other active players like Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja are also on the list and could extend their careers further.