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The anticipation is palpable as the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to commence on March 22, igniting the cricketing fervour among fans worldwide. With each passing year, the IPL continues to captivate audiences with its electrifying cricketing action, showcasing the best talents from around the globe on a single stage. As teams gear up for another thrilling season, the excitement reaches fever pitch, promising a spectacle of unparalleled entertainment and competition.
Top players representing nations in the league
The IPL is a melting pot of cricketing talent, with top players from various nations converging to display their prowess on the field. From the explosive batting of West Indian powerhouses to the spin wizardry of Indian maestros, the league boasts a diverse array of cricketing superstars. Nations like Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand and the West Indies are well represented, with each team featuring a blend of international stars, adding a global flavour to the tournament.
Age no barrier: Fitness and excellence defy years
Despite the passage of time, several seasoned campaigners continue to grace the IPL with their presence, proving that age is no barrier to performance excellence. These stalwarts, who have crossed the threshold of youth, exemplify the importance of fitness and dedication in sustaining their cricketing careers. Through disciplined training regimens and unwavering commitment to their craft, they defy the conventional wisdom of age-related decline, continuing to excel on the field and inspire generations with their enduring passion for the game.
Also READ: Delhi Capitals (DC)’s best playing XI for IPL 2024
6 oldest players set to grace the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024:
1. MS Dhoni
- Team: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Position: Captain & Wicket-keeper batter
- Age: 42 years and 258 days
A stalwart of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Dhoni’s enduring fitness and unparalleled game awareness make him a linchpin in the team’s setup. Despite his advancing age, Dhoni continues to defy expectations, maintaining his sharp reflexes behind the stumps and his ability to read the game astutely. His calm demeanor under pressure and ability to finish games with clinical precision continue to be instrumental in CSK’s success, inspiring teammates and fans alike.
2. Amit Mishra
- Team: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- Position: Leg Spinner
- Age: 41 years and 118 days
Mishra has been a prominent figure in the league since its inception in 2008. Over his illustrious 16-year career, he has showcased his bowling prowess, claiming an impressive tally of 173 wickets in 161 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 7.38. After facing disappointment in 2022 when he failed to secure a team, Mishra staged a remarkable comeback in the 2023 season. Now, as he prepares for the upcoming IPL edition, representing the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the seasoned leg-break bowler is eager to make a significant impact with his skill and experience, aiming to contribute to his team’s success on the field
3. Faf du Plessis
- Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- Position: Captain & Top-order batter
- Age: 39 years and 252 days
Du Plessis, representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), is renowned for his exceptional fielding, astute captaincy, and consistency with the bat. Despite entering the latter stages of his career, Du Plessis remains an epitome of fitness, often setting benchmarks in agility and endurance. His dedication to maintaining peak physical condition reflects in his performances on the field, where he continues to showcase remarkable athleticism and commitment to his craft. As a top-order batter, his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed adds stability to RCB’s batting lineup, setting an example of professionalism and perseverance for his teammates.
4. Wriddhiman Saha
- Team: Gujarat Titans (GT)
- Position: Wicketkeeper & Top-order batter
- Age: 39 years and 149 days
Saha in the Gujarat Titans (GT) brings experience and solidity to their batting order. Despite being one of the older players in the league, Saha exemplifies the importance of fitness and dedication in prolonging one’s career. His rigorous training regimen and disciplined lifestyle enable him to maintain peak physical condition, allowing him to excel both as a wicketkeeper and a batter. His agility behind the stumps and capability to provide crucial starts at the top make him an invaluable asset for his team, showcasing the rewards of unwavering commitment to fitness and performance.
5. Mohammad Nabi
- Team: Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Position: Batting All-rounder
- Age: 39 years and 80 days
Nabi’s versatility as an all-rounder for the Mumbai Indians (MI) will offers balance to the team’s composition this year. Despite his advancing years, Nabi remains a formidable force on the field, thanks to his unwavering focus on fitness and skill refinement. His commitment to maintaining peak physical fitness enables him to deliver impactful performances with both bat and ball, often turning the tide of matches in favor of his team. With his ability to strike crucial blows with the bat and contain runs with his off-spin bowling, he is expected to play a pivotal role in MI’s quest for success, proving that age is just a number in the face of unwavering determination.
6. Dinesh Karthik
- Team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Position: Wicket-keeper and lower-order batter
- Age: 38 years and 295 days
Karthik’s experience and adaptability make him a vital cog in the RCB’ setup. Despite the rigours of professional cricket, Karthik’s dedication to fitness and continuous improvement sets him apart as a role model for aspiring cricketers. His commitment to maintaining peak physical condition allows him to perform at the highest level, showcasing agility and reflexes that belie his age. Whether as a finisher with the bat or a reliable wicketkeeper, his contributions add depth to the team’s middle order and bolster their fielding unit, serving as a testament to the enduring power of resilience and determination.
