The IPL 2022 is a little over a fortnight away and all the 10 teams have started their preparatory camps in different parts of the country as they aim to get their hands on the coveted IPL trophy. The tournament will kick-off on March 26 with champions CSK taking on last season’s runner-up, KKR, at the Wankhede Stadium.
While a large number of youngsters will be eyeing this tournament as a platform to either launch or strengthen their careers, there are some oldies who continue to go strong despite their age. The Super Kings franchise has shown that although the fitness and fielding may be compromised with aged players, the experience they bring to the table overcompensated for that.
Here are 5 oldest players who will be featuring in IPL 2022:
MS Dhoni – 40 years
There is no denying that MS Dhoni the batsman is nowhere near what he used to be three-four seasons ago. However, Dhoni is one of the few players who merit a place in the team as a captain, while his wicket-keeping remains sharp as ever.
Having last played for India in 2019, Dhoni’s last two seasons with the bat have been underwhelming, with the CSK skipper even demoting himself down in the batting order. However, after a disappointing IPL 2020, Dhoni and CSK roared back in IPL 2021 winning their fourth IPL title. At 40 years 245 days, Dhoni remains the shrewdest mind in the white-ball game, and will be looking to deliver another title in what is likely to be his swansong IPL season. IPL 2022 can also be the last season for MS Dhoni.
Dwayne Bravo -38
CSK successfully managed to buy back Dwayne Bravo in the mega-auction for the price of 4.4 crore, keeping their faith in the star all-rounder, despite his age and the fact that he’s retired from international cricket. Bravo was instrumental with the ball in CSK’s title win last season, with 14 wickets and conceding at 7.81 runs per over – which is staggering considering that he bowls the majority of his overs in the second half of the innings.
One of the best death overs bowlers in the league and a gun fielder, Bravo will once again be required to unfurl his magic with the ball for CSK in IPL 2022.
Faf du Plessis-37
The second leading run-scorer of IPL 2021, Faf du Plessis, was bought by RCB at the mega-auction for a whopping 7 crore. This price tag is a testament to du Plessis’ reputation as a batsman, fielder, and a leader – Faf may also be seen leading RCB this season – despite his age of 37.
Du Plessis has continued his superb form since last year – he was the fifth-highest scorer in the BPL, including slamming a century – and will carry the hopes of RCB fans of helping them win their maiden IPL title. Du Plesiss remains one of the safest fielders in IPL 2022.
Mohammad Nabi-37
Afghanistan’s T20I skipper Mohammad Nabi was bought at his base price of 1 crore by KKR. Although Nabi is not a first-choice starter for KKR – in the presence of Sunil Narine and Andre Russell – the Afghanistan veteran is a match-winner with his all-round skillset.
Nabi had played only 17 games for SRH in the last five seasons, and will be hoping to grab his opportunities at KKR this season.
Wriddhiman Saha-37
Senior India cricketer Wriddhiman Saha is expected to play the wicket-keeper and opener’s role for Gujarat Titans, who acquired the services of Saha for 1.9 crore at the IPL 2022 auction.
Arguably the best gloveman in the country, Saha was short of runs for SRH in last season, and will be looking to make a mark following his axing from the Test side.
