7 Indian Cricket Legends Who Made Their Test Debut in England

As India gears up for the first Test in England starting June 20, all eyes are on the fresh-looking squad led by new captain Shubman Gill. With stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin missing, this young brigade faces a historic challenge - to script India’s first Test series win in England since 2007.

It’s a tough ask. The last time India toured England in 2021-22, the five-match series ended in a 2-2 draw. Before that, India managed only two series wins - in 1971 and 1986. But history in England isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s also the place where several Indian cricket legends took their first steps in Test cricket - some with a bang, others with a quiet beginning.

Let’s rewind to those defining moments when some of India’s greats began their Test journeys on English soil:

1. Sourav Ganguly – Lord of the Lord’s (1996)
Sourav Ganguly couldn’t have scripted a better debut. A stunning 131 at the iconic Lord’s instantly made him a household name. His elegant strokeplay and composure signaled the arrival of a future Indian captain and one of the country’s finest left-handers.

2. Rahul Dravid – The Wall Rises (1996)
In the same match as Ganguly’s debut, Rahul Dravid fell heartbreakingly short of a century, scoring 95. But his technique and temperament were evident from Day 1. It was just the beginning of a rock-solid career that would define India's batting for years.

3. Anil Kumble – A Spinner’s First Spin (1990)
At just 19, Kumble debuted at Old Trafford with figures of 3/105. The match is often remembered for Sachin Tendulkar’s maiden ton, but it also marked the beginning of a journey that would end with Kumble becoming India’s highest Test wicket-taker.

4. CK Nayudu – A Nation’s First Step (1932)
India’s Test cricket journey began at Lord’s under CK Nayudu. Though the team lost by 158 runs and Nayudu scored 40 and 10, it was a symbolic start -the beginning of India’s presence on the global Test stage.

5. Madan Lal – A Modest Beginning (1974)
Madan Lal’s debut in Manchester wasn’t memorable -2/56 and 0/39 in a loss. But his name would shine nearly a decade later, playing a crucial role in India’s 1983 World Cup triumph.

6. Vinoo Mankad – All-Round Start (1946)
Mankad debuted with figures of 2/107 and 0/11, and chipped in with 14 and 63 with the bat. Though India lost, Mankad would go on to become one of India’s finest all-rounders and lend his name to the famous (and debated) 'Mankading' dismissal.

7. Vijay Hazare – A Steady Start (1946)
Making his debut in the same match as Mankad, Hazare scored 31 and 34 -decent scores, but far from his best. In time, however, he would be known for his class and consistency in India's batting line-up.

England: Where Legends Begin
From inspiring debuts to career-defining moments, England has often been the stage for Indian cricketing tales -some glorious, others humbling. As a new chapter begins with a young Indian side, the ghosts of the past and the hopes of the future will walk side by side on English soil.