On this day, 15 years ago, current Indian cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma made his international debut. Sharma’s first appearance for the country came in an ODI match against the Ireland cricket team on June 23, 2007. It was a one-off game hosted by Belfast.
Ireland received an invitation to batting first in that game and they scored 193 runs. As per D/L Method, India had to chase 171 runs from 39 overs. The Men in Blue chased the target in 34.5 overs losing only one wicket.
In this listicle now, we will look at the Indian playing XI from that game, and where are Rohit Sharma’s teammates now.
Openers in Rohit Sharma’s first ODI – Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar
The legendary opening pair of Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar started the run-chase for the Indian cricket team in that fixture. They could not have a big opening stand as Tendulkar got out for four runs. Ganguly scored 73 runs.
Both players have now retired. While Tendulkar is the icon of Mumbai Indians, Ganguly is the BCCI President.
Middle Order – Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, and Dinesh Karthik
Gautam Gambhir won the Man of the Match award for his 80-run knock in that game. None of the other players batted against Ireland. Rahul Dravid was the captain, while Dinesh Karthik donned the gloves.
Dravid is now the head coach of the Indian team, while Karthik is still playing. Gambhir has retired and joined politics.
All Rounders and Bowlers – Yuvraj Singh, Ajit Agarkar, RP Singh, Piyush Chawla, and Sreesanth
Sreesanth and Piyush Chawla took three wickets each for India in that game. RP Singh and Ajit Agarkar took a total of three wickets, while Yuvraj neither batted nor bowled.
Yuvraj has retired now, but he plays in T20 leagues. Agarkar has become the assistant coach of Delhi Capitals, while Singh works as a cricket expert. Chawla is yet to retire but has started to work as a commentator, and Sreesanth announced his retirement this year.
