Test debut India v Sri Lanka at Chennai, Dec 2-6, 2005 ODI debut Bangladesh v India at Chittagong, Dec 23, 2004 T20I debut South Africa v India at Johannesburg, Dec 1, 2006 Born in Ranchi, Jharkhand he made his first class debut later in 1999-2000. He continued his career till he was selected for the A team against Pakistan 2004 he scored his consecutive centuries against Pakistan. In December 23 he made his ODI debut against Bangladesh but it was unfortunate for him, where he got run out for a duck and finished 3 match series for just 19 runs. Again he was put into Indian squad for home series against Pakistan where he made 143 of 123 balls which is the first Indian wicket keeper who scored century. He made his test debut at Chennai against Sri Lanka which was ruined by rain he scored just 30 but he made his first half century 51 of 51 balls in the Delhi test. He made his first test century against Pakistan 143 for 159 balls. With an average of 52 in 42 matches and strike rate of 103 he pushed Ricky ponting down to 2nd position. He is the person who led the team successfully in all forms of cricket. He was selected as Indian captain when Kumble retired from Test cricket at Kanpur lead the team to a 1-1 draw against South Africa. He got centuries in test match and ODI but yet to score a century in T20.
2nd Indian Cricketer to Received Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.