Nilesh Kulkarni made a remarkable mark in Test cricket when he became the first and only Indian, and the 15th player in the world, to capture a wicket off the very first ball he bowled on debut.

Match: India vs Sri Lanka

Venue: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Year: 1997

Achievement: Kulkarni dismissed Marvan Atapattu (Sri Lanka’s top-order batsman) off the very first ball he bowled in his Test debut. This moment is incredibly rare in cricket, showcasing his precision and skill right from the start of his career.

Dismissing a batsman off the first ball on debut is one of the most extraordinary achievements a bowler can have, as it highlights not just the bowler’s skill but also the perfect timing and luck involved.

Kulkarni became the 15th player in the history of Test cricket to achieve this unique feat, and he remains the only Indian to do so.

Nilesh Kulkarni’s debut performance is a rare milestone, and his ability to bowl a wicket-taking delivery off his first ball on debut is a testament to his nerves of steel and ability to deliver under pressure.

Marvan Atapattu was dismissed for a duck (0 runs), and this early breakthrough gave India a strong start in the match, although Kulkarni’s overall career did not go on to become as prolific as expected. Despite that, his debut performance remains a highlight.

Kulkarni’s first-ball wicket on debut is celebrated as one of the most exciting moments in Indian cricket, and it serves as an example of how a bowler can announce their arrival on the international stage in spectacular fashion.