From Virat Kohli To Sai Sudharsan: Legends Who Made Their Test Debut On This Day

Over the years, six Indian cricketers have made their Test debuts on this day, including legends like Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, and Virat Kohli.

In 2025, Sai Sudharsan continues this legacy of June 20 debuts.

Source : @BCCI / X

June 20 is no ordinary date in Indian cricket history — it has become a milestone for Test debuts.

Over the years, six Indian cricketers have made their Test debuts on this day, including legends like Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, and Virat Kohli.

In 2025, young Sai Sudharsan added his name to this elite list by earning his Test cap during the first match of the five-Test series against England at Headingley, Leeds. The cap was presented to him by senior batter Cheteshwar Pujara, making him India’s 317th Test player.

Rahul Dravid & Sourav Ganguly – 1996 Lord’s Debutants

On June 20, 1996, Indian cricket witnessed the debut of two future legends at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground against England:

Rahul Dravid went on to play 164 Tests, scoring 13,288 runs at an average of 52.31. His career included 36 centuries and 63 half-centuries, making him India’s second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket.

Sourav Ganguly, who scored a century on debut, represented India in 113 Tests, amassing 7,212 runs at an average of 42.17, with 16 centuries and 35 fifties to his name.

Virat Kohli, Praveen Kumar & Abhinav Mukund – The 2011 Debutants

Exactly 15 years later, on June 20, 2011, another generation of cricketers began their Test journeys — most notably, Virat Kohli:

Virat Kohli has played 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. His tally includes 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, making him the fourth-highest Indian run-getter in the format.

Two other players also debuted alongside Kohli:

Praveen Kumar, who took 27 wickets in just 6 Tests, including one five-wicket haul.

Abhinav Mukund, who played 7 Tests and scored 320 runs across 14 innings at an average of 22.85.

Sai Sudharsan Continues the Legacy

Now in 2025, Sai Sudharsan continues this legacy of June 20 debuts. A consistent performer in domestic cricket and the IPL, Sudharsan’s rise to the Test arena is seen as a promising sign for India’s future batting strength.

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