India's modern great, Virat Kohli, made his international debut in 2008 and went on to become one of the legends of the game. As captain, Kohli led aggressively,
taking India to historic Test wins overseas, including a series triumph in Australia. His work ethic revolutionised Indian cricket’s fitness culture and set new benchmarks.
However, there were a few players who ho made their debuts alongside Kohli, and went on to have mixed careers. While a few played for India for a long time, others got limited chances due to poor form or the team balance. Meanwhile, Kohli, who has announced his retirement from Tests and T20Is, will next be seen in India's tour to Australia, featuring only in the ODIs.
4. Abhinav Mukund
Former batter Abhinav Mukundreceived his Test cap alongside Virat Kohli during India’s tour of the West Indies in 2011. Mukund went on to become a domestic cricket stalwart but his international career did not reach similar heights. Before turning 20, he already had a triple century and hundreds on both Ranji and Irani Trophy debuts to his name.
His record-breaking opening stand with Murali Vijay remains one of Tamil Nadu’s illustrious moments in domestic cricket, amassing over 10,000 first-class runs with 31 centuries. However, in his international career, he featured in just seven Tests between 2011 and 2017. In recent years, Abhinav Mukund has transitioned into cricket commentary.
3. Naman Ojha
Talented wicketkeeper-batter, Naman Ojha, made his T20I debut for India alongside Virat Kohli in Harare in 2010. Though his international stint was brief, Ojha’s domestic career remains one of the most prolific in Indian cricket. Making his first-class debut in 2000-01, he quickly became a reliable top-order batter.
His breakthrough came during the 2008-09 Challenger Trophy and later in the IPL, where his half-centuries for Rajasthan Royals drew attention. Despite competing in the same era as MS Dhoni, Ojha was part of the national setup. In domestic cricket, he amassed over 9,700 runs in 146 first-class matches, including 22 centuries. Ojha finally made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2015. The former eventually announced his retirement in 2021.
2. Praveen Kumar
Former pacer Praveen Kumar made his Test debut for India alongside Virat Kohli in the first game of the series against the West Indies at Kingston, Jamaica, in June 2011. Coming from Meerut, Praveen had already been known for his swing despite his decent pace. On debut, he bowled brilliantly, taking three wickets in each innings (3/38 and 3/42). His ability to move the ball both ways played a crucial role in India’s 63-run win.
Praveen went on to become India’s standout bowler during the 2011 England tour, even earning a place on the Lord’s Honours Board. In his five-year-long international career, he featured in 84 games across formats, bagging 112 wickets. However, consistent injuries sidelined him from the team numerous times. However, he continued to play franchise cricket till 2017. Following announcing his retirement in 2018, he continued playing in tournaments like the Legends League up till 2023.
1. Ravichandran Ashwin
Veteran spinner R Ashwin’s T20I career began in 2010 alongside Virat Kohli in Harare, Zimbabwe. Over the years, Ashwin established himself as one of the most respected off-spinners in the game. He was India’s go-to spinner in Tests, finishing with 537 wickets in 106 matches, second only to Anil Kumble.
Part of India’s 2011 World Cup win, Ashwin also played a crucial role in the T20 World Cups and the IPL, where he claimed 187 wickets across franchises. His ability to adapt and outthink batters made him a match-winner across formats. After announcing his retirement from the IPL and franchise cricket in 2025, Ashwin is set to invest his time in global franchise leagues.
