IND vs ENG: How June 20 connects Virat Kohli, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly & Sai Sudharsan? Why this date is so special?

The date June 20 holds a very special place in the history of Indian cricket. It got a special addition on the same date in 2025 when Sai Sudharsan was handed his maiden India Test debut by none other than Cheteshwar Pujara at Headingly in Leeds on first on the eve of the first Test of the five-match series against England. 

But what’s so special with this date? It was on June 20, the likes of Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli made their Test debuts. While Ganguly and Dravid were handed their first India Test caps in England in 1996, Kohli got off to the mark in red-ball cricket in West Indies in the year 2011.

In 1996, India were on tour in England and arrived at Lord’s for the second Test of the series. With the team undergoing changes, Ganguly and Dravid were handed their Test caps. What followed became the stuff of legend. Ganguly, batting at No. 3, scored a majestic 131 on debut, announcing himself in style at the Home of Cricket. His cover drives and confidence under pressure stood out instantly.

At the other end, Dravid, who came in at No. 7, compiled a solid 95 before falling just short of a debut century. While Ganguly’s innings was more flamboyant, Dravid’s knock was marked by grit and classical technique — qualities that would define his career. That Test marked the start of two outstanding journeys, with both players becoming the backbone of India’s middle order for years to come.