Cricket

5 Youngest players who made their ODI debuts

by
Rohit Sarkar
March 16, 2023

The cricket fraternity has witnessed young cricketers coming through their ranks to shine at the highest level. The young cricketers rightfully earned their place in their respective national teams on the back of consistent performances in domestic cricket.

On the other hand, some youngsters have also taken the IPL route to impress the national selectors. The talented prospects come up with fresh ideas or dimensions for the batting or bowling departments respectively.

It is important to back and nurture young talents in the initial years of their career. If they are backed properly, they would surely be destined for greatness. Now, in this article, let’s take a look at the five youngest players who made their ODI debuts.

1. Hasan Raza (14y 233d)

Hasan Raza is the youngest player ever to make an ODI debut. The former Pakistani cricketer made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe at Quetta in 1996. He scored 242 runs in 16 ODIs including one half-century.

2. Mohammad Sharif (15y 116d)

Mohammad Sharif is the second youngest player to make a debut in One-Day Internationals. The former Bangladesh international made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe at Harare in 2001. Having played nine ODIs, he took 10 wickets to his name.

3. Gulsan Jha (15y 212d)

Gulsan Jha is a Nepalese cricketer who operates as a bowler for the Nepal national team. He made his ODI debut against the United States at Al Amerat in 2021. Having played 14 ODIs so far, the 17-year-old took 12 wickets to his name.

4. Gurdeep Singh (15y 258d)

Gurdeep Singh plied his trade for the Kenya cricket team from 2013 to 2021. He made his ODI debut against the Afghanistan cricket team in Sharjah in 2013, which was also his only appearance in the 50-over format.

5. Nitish Kumar (15y 273d)

Nitish Kumar is the fifth youngest player ever to make his ODI debut. He plied his trade for the Canadian cricket team from 2009 to 2019. Nitish Kumar made his ODI debut against Afghanistan in Sharjah in 2010. Having played 15 ODIs, he scored 217 runs and took 2 wickets to his name.