The Indian Premier League is often seen as a tournament for young, fearless cricketers. Fast bowling, explosive batting, and sharp fielding usually favor players in their twenties. Yet, every season proves that experience still matters. A few players continue to compete at the highest level even in their late thirties and forties. Their presence brings calm, leadership, and game awareness that numbers alone cannot show. IPL is no different, with seasoned veterans once again making headlines for defying age and expectations.
Oldest Player in IPL 2025: MS Dhoni
1. Brad Hogg – 45 Years and 92 Days
Brad Hogg played IPL at an age when most cricketers have already stepped away from professional cricket. He featured in his final IPL season in 2016 for Kolkata Knight Riders, showing that fitness and game awareness can stretch a career far beyond expectations. Even in his midforties, Hogg stayed sharp in the field and remained reliable with the ball, especially on slower pitches.
Hogg was never about raw pace. His success came from control, smart angles, and reading batters early. He used experience to apply pressure, bowl economical spells, and break partnerships. For KKR, his calm presence in tense situations proved that smart cricket still works at the highest level.
2. Pravin Tambe – 44 Years and 219 Days
Pravin Tambe’s IPL journey is one of the most unique stories in the league. He entered the tournament late and still managed to leave a strong impression. Playing his final IPL season in 2016 with Gujarat Lions, Tambe was already well into his forties but continued to trouble batters with flight and control.
What set Tambe apart was belief and patience. He relied on variation and understanding of conditions rather than speed. His success showed that age is not always a limitation if skill and determination remain strong. For many domestic players, his story became a source of inspiration.
3. Muttiah Muralitharan – 42 Years and 35 Days
Muttiah Muralitharan continued playing IPL even after stepping away from international cricket. He played his final IPL season in 2014 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the age of 42. Despite being in the final phase of his career, his presence added experience and balance to the bowling attack.
Murali did not depend on turn alone. He used angles, pace changes, and deep knowledge of batters to stay effective. Beyond wickets, his biggest impact came through mentoring younger bowlers and helping teams plan bowling strategies during matches.
4. Imran Tahir – 42 Years and 29 Days
Imran Tahir was among the few players who remained highly effective in IPL even after crossing 40. He played his final IPL season in 2021 for Chennai Super Kings at the age of 42. Despite his age, Tahir brought energy, passion, and full commitment every time he stepped onto the field.
His leg spin stayed dangerous because of accuracy and clever variations. Tahir often bowled during challenging phases and still delivered important breakthroughs. His enthusiasm and work ethic made him a role model for younger players in the CSK squad.
5. Chris Gayle – 41 Years and 155 Days
Chris Gayle played his final IPL season in 2021 for Punjab Kings at the age of 41. Known for his power hitting, Gayle continued to rely on timing and strength even in the later stages of his career. A single good over was often enough for him to change the course of a match.
As he grew older, Gayle adjusted his approach. Instead of constant aggression, he focused on selecting the right deliveries to attack. His experience, confidence, and ability to dominate bowlers ensured he remained a valuable presence till the end of his IPL journey.
How Old is MS Dhoni?
MS Dhoni is the not the oldest player in IPL 2025 with 43 years of age. Even at this stage of his career, his presence alone gives confidence to teammates. He may not bat for long periods now, but his short stays often change matches. Behind the stumps, he reads batters early and helps bowlers stay calm.
| Category | Record |
| IPL Seasons Played | 2008 – 2025 |
| Matches Played | 264 |
| Innings Batted | 229 |
| Total Runs | 5243 |
| Batting Average | 39 |
| Strike Rate | 137 |
| Highest Score | 84 |
| Half Centuries | 24 |
| Fours | 363 |
| Sixes | 252 |
| Times Not Out | 95 |
| Wicketkeeping Dismissals | 180+ |
| IPL Titles Won | 5 |
| Teams Played For | Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant |
Dhoni no longer depends on physical strength. His value comes from sharp thinking, quick decisions, and trust in simple cricket. Fans still wait for his entry because they know something special can happen. At 43, he proves that experience and clarity can still win tight IPL games.
Top 5 Oldest Players in IPL History:
Across IPL seasons, a few players stayed much longer than expected. They adjusted their game, respected their limits, and used experience as their biggest weapon. These names are remembered not just for age, but for impact.
| Player Name | Age When They Retired | Last IPL Season | Last IPL Team |
| Brad Hogg | 45 | 2016 | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Pravin Tambe | 44 | 2016 | Gujarat Lions |
| Muttiah Muralitharan | 42 | 2014 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Imran Tahir | 42 | 2021 | Chennai Super Kings |
| Chris Gayle | 41 | 2021 | Punjab Kings |
Meet the Oldest Player in IPL 2026 Auction: Jalaj Saxena
Jalaj Saxena enters the IPL 2026 mini auction at 39 years, making him the oldest registered player. He is one of the most reliable names in Indian domestic cricket and has performed consistently season after season without much spotlight.
Saxena is known for discipline rather than flash. His off spin focuses on control, and his batting adds stability in the lower order. Though he had limited IPL chances earlier, his experience and calm approach still make him a useful option for teams needing balance.
Top 5 Oldest Players in the IPL 2026 Mini Auction:
Even in a youth driven auction, experienced players quietly hold value. Teams often look at them as backups, mentors, or reliable replacements during long seasons.
| Player | Age (Years) | Primary Role | Team Status |
| Jalaj Saxena | 39 | All rounder | Unsold |
| Karn Sharma | 38 | Spinner | Unsold |
| Umesh Yadav | 38 | Fast bowler | Unsold |
| Richard Gleeson | 38 | Fast bowler | Unsold |
| Dwaine Pretorius | 37 | All rounder | Unsold |
These players may not attract bidding wars, but their calm mindset and experience often prove valuable when pressure rises or injuries appear during the season.
Why Has Age Not Slowed MS Dhoni in the IPL?
Age usually changes how a cricketer plays, but MS Dhoni is a rare exception. Over the years, he has adapted his game instead of fighting time. Dhoni no longer tries to dominate every match. Instead, he chooses the right moments to step in and make an impact.
- He plays short but meaningful innings when the team needs stability
- His wicketkeeping skills remain safe and reliable under pressure
- He reads bowlers early and avoids risky shot selection
- His fitness is managed smartly across the long IPL season
- His calm presence helps the team stay focused in close matches
His calm thinking, sharp awareness, and deep understanding of the game still make him valuable in the IPL. Even as the oldest player, Dhoni continues to influence matches without needing long innings or flashy shots.
How Experience Gives Older IPL Players an Edge?
In the IPL, raw talent brings excitement, but experience brings control. Older players may not be the fastest on the field, but they often think one step ahead. Years of playing at high levels teach them how to handle pressure moments. That experience becomes especially useful in tight games where one mistake can change everything. This is why teams still trust senior players, even when younger options are available.
Experienced players also play an important role beyond performance. They guide young teammates, share match insights, and help the team stay balanced during tough phases. Their value is felt both on and off the field.
Conclusion:
Age has never been a strict barrier in the IPL. While young players bring speed and flair, veterans bring clarity and control. From legends like MS Dhoni to domestic warriors like Jalaj Saxena, IPL 2026 continues to respect experience. These players remind fans that cricket is as much about understanding the game as it is about physical ability. In high pressure moments, age often becomes an advantage, not a limitation.
FAQs:
MS Dhoni is the oldest player in IPL 2026 at 43 years.
Brad Hogg is the oldest player to appear in IPL history at 45 years.
His domestic consistency and calm approach make him a dependable option.
Yes, teams value experience for squad balance and pressure situations.
Yes, smart decisions and calm execution often change close games.
Kiran is a cricket analyst and writer with strong expertise in the Indian Premier League and modern cricket. He closely follows match situations, player performances, team strategies, and season trends to deliver clear and accurate insights. Passionate about the game, Kiran enjoys exploring emerging talents, tracking auction movements, and sharing timely updates related to IPL and competitive cricket.
