Virat Kohli is easily the best ODI batter of this generation. While he might find it hard to break Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most ODI runs scored, Virat has a good chance to become the first cricketer to hit 50 centuries in ODIs. After winning the U19 World Cup in 2008 as the skipper, the management was looking for a way to involve Virat in the senior setup. With Virender Sehwag ruled out, there was an opening at the top. Virat’s debut ODI was against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in 2008. Here, we take a look at India’s playing XI when Virat Kohli made his ODI Debut.
Openers: Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli
Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli were the openers in India’s playing XI when Virat Kohli made his ODI Debut. Gambhir and Virat played a lot of cricket together and were involved in many successful partnerships. In this game, though, both these players had a forgettable outing.
Middle-Order: Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni (C&WK)
India’s middle-order had a plethora of options back then. While Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma were beginning to leave a mark, Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni had already gained some experience by then. MS Dhoni was the skipper of this squad. Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina also bowled a few overs in this game.
All-Rounders: Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan was the all-rounder in India’s playing XI when Virat Kohli made his ODI Debut. Back then, when it came to this department, India did not have many choices. Irfan Pathan is one player who contributed often to both the departments.
Bowlers: Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Munaf Patel and Pragyan Ojha
Zaheer Khan and Munaf Patel completed the pace attack of this XI. Zaheer was the leader of the bowling department at that time. In the spin unit, India had the experience of Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha, who was in good form after his domestic accomplishments.
