Who are the players that debuted in Tests before Virat Kohli, but are still active?

In what has spanned the course of 14 glorious years, India’s No. 18, Virat Kohli, has made the difficult decision to call time on his red-ball career.

The 2011 Test debutant last played for India against Australia on January 3, 2025. Kohli has seen several legends of the game end their careers in his heyday, with Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, and Virender Sehwag adding to the list.

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The then youngster has now evolved in style and stature and in what he means to the overall legacy of the Indian cricket team in the 21st century. But who are the players that debuted before Kohli and are still active in Indian Test cricket? Here’s a look:

Cheteshwar Pujara

Congratulations Virat on a Test career you can be incredibly proud of! Your passion for the format was inspiring...and it was an honour to share the crease with you over the years, in the heat of many-a-battle, grinding it out for the country! Will cherish the several memories… pic.twitter.com/0Qp9vofOPn

— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) May 12, 2025

The 37-year-old has appeared in 103 Test matches for India after making his debut in the format on October 9, 2010. His 7195 runs in 176 innings place him in 8th spot in terms of most runs scored in the format by an Indian. Despite being out of favor with the selectors, Kohli’s sudden retirement may reopen the way for Pujara into the Indian middle order. Pujara is only active for the Indian team in the Test format and last played for them in 2023.

Ishant Sharma

Your journey will inspire countless players on how to play this game the right way — with heart, hunger, and honour. Test cricket won’t be the same without you, Virat. Grateful to have shared so many moments together. @imVkohli 🤗 pic.twitter.com/0OrAGFVE4T

— Ishant Sharma (@ImIshant) May 12, 2025

The 36-year-old pacer made his Test debut for India back in 2007, at the age of 18, and remains one of the youngest to achieve that feat. Currently playing for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League, the veteran hasn’t been in the picture for India’s Test squad since 2021. However, the 6’4” man is yet to step down from the format.



Besides these two, Umesh Yadav (November 2011), who debuted six months after Kohli’s debut, is also active in Tests for the country. Ravindra Jadeja , an active and experienced proponent of the Indian squad, will play a crucial role as India takes on England in the three-game series in June 2025. The CSK man debuted in December 2012.