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Saransh Jain made his Test Debut for India (Source: BCCI)
It's a dream for every cricketer to represent India in the longest format of the game, and Saransh Jain fulfilled his dream as he finally made his India debut on August 23. The Madhya Pradesh star player was included in India's playing XI against Sri Lanka in the ongoing second Test at Colombo.
It is important to note that Saransh Jain also became the oldest Indian cricketer in the 21st century to make his Test debut. However, along with this, the 33-year-old player also joined a list of players who made their International debut before their IPL debut.
Having said this, in this article, let's take a look at the list of players who made their International debut before their IPL debut.
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Murali Vijay – Test vs Australia, Nagpur, 2008
It is vital to note that Murali Vijay was the first Indian cricketer to make an international debut before their IPL debut. The right-handed opener made his Test debut against Australia in Nagpur on November 6, 2008, during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The IPL had already completed its inaugural season earlier in 2008, but Murali Vijay had not played in the tournament. He received his Test opportunity after now India head coach Gautam Gambhir was suspended for one match for being involved in a fight with Shane Watson.
His international debut therefore came before his first IPL appearance. He eventually entered the IPL in 2009 after CSK bought him, and he played his first match on May 2, 2009, against Rajasthan Royals.
Mohammed Shami – ODI vs Pakistan, Delhi, 2013
Ace pacer Mohammed Shami became the second Indian player to make his international debut before playing in the IPL. The fast bowler made his ODI debut against Pakistan in Delhi on January 6, 2013.
In the longest format of the game, the star player made his debut against West Indies at Kolkata on November 6, 2013.
Shami made his IPL debut only a few months later. Kolkata Knight Riders handed him his first IPL appearance on April 8, 2013, against Rajasthan Royals. Overall, in his IPL career, he has played for KKR, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants.
Saransh Jain – Test vs Sri Lanka, Colombo (SSC), 2026*
Saransh Jain has now become the latest Indian player to enter this list. He made his international debut on August 23, 2026, in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
The Madhya Pradesh star player was selected because of consistent performances in FC cricket. It is worth noting that Saransh Jain has not made his IPL debut yet but has already made his International debut for India.
However, he has spent time as a net bowler for Kolkata Knight Riders during IPL 2024.
Saransh Jain has played in 54 FC matches and bagged 188 wickets at an economy rate of 3.01. With the bat, he made 2,223 runs in the same number of matches at an average of 31.75 and a strike rate of 47.70.
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