Oldest players in IPL history: MS Dhoni set to enter top three in CSK vs RCB IPL 2024 season opener

The IPL has witnessed several international stars showcasing their best in the showpiece league over the last 16 editions. Several accomplished cricketers have also prolonged their playing days beyond international retirement with the Indian Premier League.

Shane Warne led Rajasthan Royals to the inaugural title a year after retiring from internationals in 2007. So did Adam Gilchrist who led the now-defunct Deccan Chargers to the title in 2009. Here is a look at the oldest IPL cricketers over the years:

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Brad Hogg – 45y 92d

Australian left-arm wrist-spinner Brad Hogg’s first stint in the IPL was with Rajasthan Royals in seasons 2012 and 2013. Hogg returned to the league for another two-year stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015-16, where he became the oldest player in the IPL, featuring in five matches in the 2016 season. Hogg played his last game aged 45 years 92 days against Gujarat Lions on May 8, 2016. The wily spinner bagged 23 wickets in 21 IPL appearances.

Pravin Tambe – 44y 219d

A story straight out of a movie plot, Pravin Tambe made his IPL debut with the Rajasthan Royals in 2013 as a 41-year-old who had no prior experience in professional cricket. Tambe played in three seasons, picking up 28 wickets from 33 appearances, playing his last match at 44 years 219 days against Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 14, 2016. Tambe had the chance to raise the bar even higher in IPL 2020 after being signed up by Kolkata Knight Riders. However, Tambe was barred from an IPL return after breaching BCCI’s policies by playing a foreign T10 league.

MS Dhoni on the eve of the IPL 2024 opener in Chennai. (PTI)

Muthiah Muralidaran – 42y, 35d

Sri Lanka’s legendary spinner Muralidaran began his IPL journey with the Chennai Super Kings in 2008 and played three seasons, winning the title in 2010. He moved to Kochi Tuskers Kerala for one year before being signed up by Royal Challengers Bangalore from 2012-2014. In IPL 2014, Muralidaran made his final IPL appearance at 42 years 35 days against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 22, 2014.

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Imran Tahir – 42y 29d

A man that has gotten better with age, South Africa legspinner Imran Tahir has had a fruitful run in the IPL since his debut in 2014 with the Delhi Daredevils. Tahir’s best years came after he moved to Chennai Super Kings in 2018, winning the title that season before playing in three more editions. His final appearance came against RCB on May 21, 2021, having picked up 82 wickets from only 59 matches.

Chris Gayle – 42y 7d

The Universe Boss is the IPL’s greatest entertainer with the bat. With 357 sixes under his belt, Gayle remains head and shoulders above the rest in terms of big-hitting. Having started out with Kolkata Knight Riders, Gayle attained superstar status with the RCB between 2011 and 2017. Gayle’s final appearance was in Punjab Kings colours against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2021, a week after his 42nd birthday.

MS Dhoni – 41y 326d

India’s veteran skipper MS Dhoni won the IPL 2023 final at the age of 41 years and 326 days against Gujarat Titans, the oldest skipper to achieve the feat. Dhoni, who led Chennai Super Kings to five titles, is now set to become the second oldest Indian ever in the IPL during the IPL 2024 season opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai on March 22, 2024, Friday – aged 42y 259 days. On the eve of the IPL 2024 opener, Dhoni made a bombshell decision to relinquish captaincy, passing CSK’s baton after 14 editions to Ruturaj Gaikwad.

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