What Happened To India Players Who Made T20I Debuts In England Before Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?

Rahul Dravid and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi - (Source: X.com)

India are fresh off an embarrassing series defeat against Ireland and are receiving a lot of flak for their performances. The most talked about instance from the recently concluded two-match series was Vaibhav Sooryavanshi not getting his India debut.

The 15-year-old was touted to become the youngest Indian to play international cricket, but his dream had to wait a little, and eyes are now on the upcoming England series. The two heavyweights are set to face off in the series, and the focus will again be on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

The fans are eager to see Vaibhav Sooryavanshi debut against England, and the chances are high because it is a five-match series. Amid the anticipation to see the 15-year-old in action, this article will shed light on previous India stars who made their T20I debut in England and what are they doing now?

List of India players who made T20I debuts in England before Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

1. Ajinkya Rahane

When did Ajinkya Rahane make his T20I debut in England?

Ajinkya Rahane made his T20I debut on August 31, 2011, against England in the only T20I at Manchester. 

How did Ajinkya Rahane perform in his first T20I in England?

The right-handed batter, who opened the innings with Parthiv Patel, had a brilliant debut as Rahane scored 61 (39), but the runs came in a losing cause.

What happened to Ajinkya Rahane after his maiden T20I in England?

Despite a positive start, Ajinkya Rahane didn’t enjoy a long-lasting T20I career. The Maharashtra-based cricketer played T20I cricket for just 5 years and has not played any T20I match since August, 2016.

2. Rahul Dravid

When did Rahul Dravid make his T20I debut in England?

Interestingly, Rahul Dravid made his T20I debut in the same match as Ajinkya Rahane, which was also his first and only T20I match in his illustrious career.

How did Rahul Dravid perform in his first T20I in England?

Rahul Dravid enjoyed every bit of his T20I debut as he scored 31 (21), which featured three straight sixes off Graeme Swann.

What happened to Rahul Dravid after his maiden T20I in England?

Interestingly, Rahul Dravid’s T20I debut was also his last white-ball appearance for India. Before the only-T20I in Manchester, Dravid had announced his retirement from white-ball cricket. Nonetheless, Dravid eventually coached India during the 2024 T20 World Cup and lifted the title.

3. Ambati Rayudu

When did Ambati Rayudu make his T20I debut in England?

Ambati Rayudu made his T20I debut on September 7, 2014 against England. Interestingly, it was also the only T20I match during India’s tour to England.

How did Ambati Rayudu perform in his first T20I in England?

Ambati Rayudu couldn’t perform or showcase his talent on India debut because the right-handed batter just to face 3 balls and he amassed 5 runs.

Also Read: India Women's Squad For Asian Games 2026 Announced; BCCI Makes 1 Big Change

What happened to Ambati Rayudu after his maiden T20I in England?

Ambati Rayudu’s T20I career was short-lived as the 40-year-old played just 6 matches and amassed only 42 runs before fading away from the scheme of things.

4. Arshdeep Singh

When did Arshdeep Singh make his T20I debut in England?

Arshdeep Singh made his T20I debut against England on July 7, 2022, in the first of a three-match series.

How did Arshdeep Singh perform in his first T20I in England?

Arshdeep Singh made an immediate impact and registered the figures of 2/18 in his 3.3 overs. 

What happened to Arshdeep Singh after his maiden T20I in England?

Over the last four years, Arshdeep Singh has risen in ranks to emerge as India’s premier bowler in T20Is. The left-arm seamer has 131 T20I wickets and holds the record for most wickets for India in the shortest format of the game.

5. Deepak Chahar

When did Deepak Chahar make his T20I debut in England?

Deepak Chahar made his T20I debut for India on July 8, 2018, against England in the 3rd and last T20I of the series.

How did Deepak Chahar perform in his first T20I in England?

Deepak Chahar didn’t have a great debut, as he leaked 43 runs in his four overs and took a solitary wicket of Jason Roy.

What happened to Deepak Chahar after his maiden T20I in England?

Deepak Chahar enjoyed a T20I career with India spanning over five years. He played 25 T20Is, but has been out of the scheme of things since December 1, 2023.

6. Karn Sharma

When did Karn Sharma make his T20I debut in England?

Karn Sharma made his T20I debut on September 7, 2014, against England in the one-off T20I series. 

How did Karn Sharma perform in his first T20I in England?

Karn Sharma had a decent debut, where he registered the figures of 1/28 in his four overs.

What happened to Karn Sharma after his maiden T20I in England?

Interestingly, it was the only T20I that Karn Sharma played in his India career.

Also Read: India Told To Launch Vaibhav Sooryavanshi In 1st T20I Vs England