Where are the players who featured in Kohli's debut ODI?
On this day, in 2008, Virat Kohli made his debut for the Indian side in an ODI against Sri Lanka. The 19-year-old Kohli managed 12 runs on that day, but had a decent debut series. Kohli's incredible achievements, in the last 10 years, has helped him etch his names along with other greats. But where are others who featured in his debut match?
Here is the starting line-up that featured in that match
India lost that match against Lankans, who sealed a 8-wicket victory. This was India's playing XI: Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni (captain and wicket-keeper), Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Pragyan Ojha and Munaf Patel.
A look at the opening combination
Gautam Gambhir went on to have an excellent time with the bat for a few years that included a solid 2011 World Cup campaign. Inconsistent form forced Dhoni to drop Gambhir. His last outing, in ODIs, came in 2013 against England. Kohli, who opened with Gauti that day, has become the best in business across the world. He now usually bats at number 3.
A look at Raina's situation
Raina, who batted at number 3 in that match a decade back, was a pillar of the ODI team and went on to play on a regular basis till 2015. He was dropped from the side post that and has made a comeback this year.
Fighter Yuvraj's career took a bad shape
Yuvraj Singh played a commendable role for India till 2011. He was then diagnosed with cancer post his 'Man of the Series' performance in 2011 World Cup. Yuvi made a return to the side in 2012-13 series against Pakistan. Poor form saw him out of the team for close to 4 years. He made a return in 2017 and couldn't cement his place.
Rohit and MS are pillars of this Indian team
Rohit Sharma was promoted up the order once the likes of Tendulkar and Sehwag retired and he hasn't looked back. He is a pillar of the current side. Dhoni went on to achieve great things and is still a part of the ODI squad.
A look at the bowlers and what happened
Pathan didn't last long since he was inconsistent. He played his last ODI in 2012. Harbhajan Singh played till 2011, but poor form and R Ashwin's emergence saw him getting dropped. He made a comeback in 2015, but was left out again. Zaheer Khan decided to call it quits from ODIs in 2012 to focus on Tests. Ojha and Munaf didn't get much chances.
