<P> In August 2008 , Kohli was included in the Indian ODI squad for tour of Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan . Prior to the Sri Lankan tour , Kohli had played only eight List A matches , and his selection was called a `` surprise call - up '' . During the Sri Lankan tour , as both first - choice openers Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag were injured , Kohli batted as a makeshift opener throughout the series . He made his international debut , at the age of 19 , in the first ODI of the tour and was dismissed for 12 . He made his first ODI half century , a score of 54 , in the fourth match which helped India win the series . He had scores of 37 , 25 and 31 in the other three matches . India won the series 3 -- 2 which was India 's first ODI series win against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka . </P>
<P> In August 2008 , Kohli was included in the Indian ODI squad for tour of Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan . Prior to the Sri Lankan tour , Kohli had played only eight List A matches , and his selection was called a `` surprise call - up '' . During the Sri Lankan tour , as both first - choice openers Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag were injured , Kohli batted as a makeshift opener throughout the series . He made his international debut , at the age of 19 , in the first ODI of the tour and was dismissed for 12 . He made his first ODI half century , a score of 54 , in the fourth match which helped India win the series . He had scores of 37 , 25 and 31 in the other three matches . India won the series 3 -- 2 which was India 's first ODI series win against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka . </P>
when did virat kohli played his first international match
when did virat kohli played his first international match
August 2008
August 2008