As grueling as it is to start a cricket career at an early age, many players bore the pressure and endured the scars of failure to reach success. Here are some cricketers who debuted as teenagers and persisted to a victorious career ahead.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
At the age of just 16, India's "Master Blaster" was competing against some of the best bowlers in the game. Three decades ago, he made his debut in Test cricket and remains the youngest Indian to do so. Scoring 15 runs in the first innings, then 59 in the second test, and 57 in the fourth, Sachin's abilities were sighted in the series. Since then, the cricketer has gone on to break every significant batting record to exist.
2. Sir Garfield Sobers
The former cricketer, also known as Garry, is widely considered the most excellent all-rounder of all time. It was through the West Indian cricketer Denis Atkinson that Garry received recognition in the field. Before he was even a teen, Denis recommended him to the local inspector, commending his inclusion in the Police Cricket Club, further leading him to his first-class debut at the age of 16.5 years later, Sobers broke the record of the highest test at the time and gave a new meaning to what it meant to be an all-rounder in cricket, and his records are indicative of it.
3. Harbhajan Singh
The 17-year-old at the time made his first debut against Australia. It was, for all you know the destiny that it was the same country he would go on to be the pain in the neck of in his wicket-filled international career. Since then, Harbhajan has featured in 103 tests for India, taking 417 wickets. With 771 international wickets, he is one of the few 13 bowlers to have surpassed 700.
4. Imran Khan
The former cricketer and current Prime Minister of Pakistan made his first-class debut at 16 in Lahore and 18 in Birmingham against England. Considered to be one of the finest seam-bowling all-rounders, Imran changed Pakistan cricket forever. He transformed average cricketers into world beaters and fetched his country its first World Cup in 1992.
5. Aravinda De Silva
Known for his controlled technique with a fondness for persistent attacking, Aravinda is Sri Lanka's best batsman. He made his First-Class debut at the age of 18, scoring an unbeaten 23. On his 20th birthday, he played a Test against Pakistan and remained 93 not out, followed by an eight and a half hour batting for 122 runs the next day, helping Sri Lanka claim their maiden World Cup, defying the odds. Achieving a cult status, Silva had amassed over 9000 ODI runs and retired in 2003.
6. Shahid Afridi
At 16, the Pakistani cricketer broke the record for the youngest batsman ever to score a century. The same year, he made his international debut and broke another record. Scoring 100 runs in just 37 deliveries, he became the fastest player to score a century. During his career, he was known for his ability to ceaselessly reinvent himself. Amassing over 10000 runs in international cricket accompanied by a World T20 title, Shahid has left behind a captivating legacy.
7. Yuvraj Singh
It was under Sourav Ganguly, the current BCCI president, that "Yuvi" made his debut. He believed the 18-year-old was ready for "the big stage." Despite the odds in his career, he is one of the highistloved players in India. He had a significant role in India's victory in the maiden World T20 in 2011 and even became the Man of the Series. Known for dominating in the ODIs, a format in which very few could outplay, he also held the record of slamming six sixes in an over. He has accumulated over 11000 international runs for India in the course of his career.
8. Wasim Akram
The former cricketer-turned-commentator made his ODI debut a few months after he turned 18. Playing against Australia, he went wicketless in the game. Regardless, Wasim went on to take 916 international wickets in his career, the highest for a left-arm bowler. Accumulating over 6000 runs in ODI, it's evident he is as good a batsman as a bowler.
9. Javed Miandad
Known for his unconventional playing style, the Pakistani cricketer made his debut in ODI just a day before his 18th birthday. Followed by his Test debut just a year later, he scored an impressive 163 against New Zealand. He went on to outdo himself every time and soon became Pakistan's youngest captain. He is also considered the greatest batsman the country has ever produced.
10. Waqar Younis
The Pakistani fast-bowler made his Test debut at 18, alongside Sachin Tendulkar. He went on to become a legend for his country and has rewritten the record books. Whether it's being one of the few six bowlers to have taken over 350 wickets in ODIs and Tests or finishing with the eight most wickets in the history of international cricket, Waqar wrapped up one of the most remarkable careers despite it lasting just over a decade.
