IPL 2019: Three oldest players taking part in the league

T20 cricket is considered to be a young man’s format. The shortest format of the game demands flare and aggression. Thus, many believe youthful sportsmen make up the perfect match-up for it. However, with age comes a great deal of experience. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) proved last year that age is just a mere number as they managed to run away with the IPL title playing with a team where most of the players were over 30 years of age.

There are quite a few cricketers who still enjoy playing in this format and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Every year, they are written off and the fans feel that this could well be their last season. But they turn up the next year with the same kind of passion and hunger inspiring millions of youngsters.

On that note, we have picked three oldest players taking part in the ongoing season:

1. Imran Tahir (Chennai Super Kings)

Chennai Super Kings’ leg-spinner Imran Tahir was born on 27 March 1979. The cricketer is 40 years old now but it will never ever seem that way when he is on the field. He gets more excited than any other youngster whenever he picks up a wicket and celebrates hard. The ‘Parashakti Express’ as he is called in Chennai, sets up for a lap around the ground as soon as he outwits the batsman.

Tahir recently announced that he’d retire from ODI cricket after the conclusion of the World Cup 2019. However, he will continue to ply his trade in the shortest format of the game. The fans will hope that he turns up for yet another season of the IPL next year. He is currently enjoying his game to the fullest and has played both the matches for his franchise so far.

2. Chris Gayle (Kings XI Punjab)

Many had written off Chris Gayle after the poor outing with the RCB. The franchise parted ways with one of their most prolific players last season and he almost went unsold at the auction. But, the Kings XI Punjab just about acquired him at the last moment and he responded in style with some great batting last year.

The Caribbean cricketer seems to be much more dangerous this season. He had a terrific series against England in the ODIs where he was smashing everything out of the ground. He also won the Man of the Series award in that series. Even though he announced that he’ll retire from ODI cricket post the World Cup 2019, the Universe Boss might have to reconsider his thoughts as he is redefining age with his batting. Gayle is now 39 years old and was born on September 21, 1979.

Also, he has begun his IPL season with a bang this time around scoring 79 runs against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Gayle dons the orange cap this year.

3. Harbhajan Singh (Chennai Super Kings)

Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh might not be playing for India but he turns up for the IPL almost every year. Mumbai Indians ended their long-term association with Bhajji last year and he represents the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) now. He is an old workhorse and works hard to pick up wickets every time he is on the field.

Born on 3 July 1980, Harbhajan is 38 now and will turn 39 by the time he comes back next year. Yet, he is still quite fit and can give any youngster a good run for his money. He pulled off a highly impressive performance in the first game of IPL 2019 and was also awarded the ‘Man of the Match’. He will be hoping to lay his hands on the silverware once again before hanging up his boots.

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