The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off on March 22, pitting Royal Challengers Bangalore against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in a blockbuster opener. Following a mega-auction, teams have overhauled their rosters, blending youth with experience to chase the title. The 18th edition promises fierce competition, with franchises banking on revamped lineups to challenge Kolkata's reign after their 2024 triumph. Among the seasoned campaigners, ten of the oldest players stand out, bringing decades of skill to the T20 stage. From MS Dhoni's enduring brilliance at Chennai Super Kings to Faf du Plessis' leadership at Delhi Capitals, these veterans defy age. Check out ten of the oldest players in the league:
From MS Dhoni to Sunil Narine: Top 10 Oldest Players Featuring in IPL 2025
10. Ishant Sharma (Gujarat Titans) - 36 Years, 192 Days
Ever since the inception of IPL in 2008, Ishant Sharma has played for multiple teams like Kolkata Knight Riders, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals before joining Gujarat Titans for IPL 2025. Known for his height and ability to extract bounce, Ishant has taken 93 wickets in 110 matches, with his best figures of 5/12 coming for Deccan Chargers in 2011.
9. Ajinkya Rahane (Kolkata Knight Riders) - 36 Years, 280 Days
Ajinkya Rahane went unsold in the mega-auction for Indian Premier League 2025, before he was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders in an accelerated round. Rahane has also been appointed as a captain of the franchise, thanks to his exploits with Mumbai domestic cricket. With 4,642 runs in 185 matches, at an average of around 30 and a strike rate near 125, Rahane has consistently proved his ability to steady the innings.
8. Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders) - 36 Years, 291 Days
West Indies' Sunil Narine was retained by Kolkata ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. He has been with this franchise since 2012, playing a crucial role in all three titles Kolkata have won so far. With over 180 wickets in 177 matches at an economy rate of 6.73, Narine is among the most economical bowlers in the league. Besides, he is an explosive opening batter who has won many matches single-handedly with his power-hitting.
7. Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders) - 36 Years, 318 Days
Andre Russell completed his tenth season at Kolkata last year, and despite fitness concerns, the franchise showed trust in him by retaining him for IPL 2025. In 126 matches so far, Russel has scored over 2000 runs at an astounding strike rate of 174, and claimed 115 wickets.
6. Karn Sharma (Mumbai Indians) - 37 Years, 141 Days
Karn Sharma, a leg-spinner, has been a journeyman in the IPL, playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, and now he will represent Mumbai Indians. He has won three IPL titles so far, with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, and Chennai Super Kings in 2018 and 2021.
5. Moeen Ali (Kolkata Knight Riders) - 37 Years, 268 Days
Released by Chennai Super Kings over his indifferent form, Moeen Ali joined Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹2 crore, where he is likely to play the role of middle-order aggressor. Moeen's off-spin would also come in handy on a pitch that aids the spinner.
4. Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians) - 37 Years, 317 Days
Rohit Sharma is an IPL titan, leading Mumbai Indians to five titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020) as captain since 2013. With over 6,500 runs in 257 matches, he's the fourth-highest run-scorer in IPL history, boasting a strike rate of around 131. Like the last season, he will be playing under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya in IPL.
3. Ravichandran Ashwin (Chennai Super Kings) - 38 Years, 177 Days
avichandran Ashwin has been a fixture in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2008, starting with Chennai Super Kings and returning to the franchise in a recent mega-auction. The veteran spinner has also turned out for Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals during his career. Ashwin has claimed 180 wickets in 211 matches, with an economy rate under 7. Famed for his carrom ball and tactical nous, Ashwin has also contributed over 800 runs with the bat.
2. Faf du Plessis (Delhi Capitals) - 40 Years, 243 Days
Faf du Plessis has been a steady presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2012, and he will be plying his trade for Delhi Capitals this season. The South African batter has amassed over 4,500 runs in more than 140 matches, maintaining a strike rate of around 135. His standout 2022 season with Bangalore saw him score 468 runs, with a top score of 96 off 64 balls. Du Plessis won IPL titles with Chennai in 2018 and 2021 and led Bangalore to the playoffs in 2022 as captain.
MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings) - 43 Years, 249 Days
MS Dhoni has been the linchpin of Chennai Super Kings since the Indian Premier League (IPL) began in 2008, steering the team to five titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023). The former India captain is also among the leading-scorers in the history of the tournament. Behind the stumps, Dhoni holds an IPL-record 150-plus dismissals.
