When the IPL started, people said it was a young man’s tournament. But the aging stars have proved this adage wrong time and again. They have brought in their valuable experience in the shortest format of the game and have added a stability to this format’s volatility and a method to the madness.
However all good things come to an end and some of these old warhorses might well be playing their last IPL. Let’s have a look at five of them.
#1 Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan, 37, will be leading the Delhi Daredevils for the first time and might well be playing the IPL for the last time. “Zak”, as he is fondly called, has always been a natural leader in the past, even though he has never captained India. While playing for his country, the left-armer has always reduced MS Dhoni’s burden by shepherding the younger bowlers and even setting fields for them from time to time
Daredevils’ young fast bowlers like Mohd. Shami, Joel Paris, and Nathan Coulter-Nile would like to pick Zak’s brain while playing under him this season. The former Indian pacer has to bring in all his experience while leading this bunch of young and talented cricketers if the Daredevils are to spring a major surprise this season.
#2 Pravin Tambe
Pravin Tambe, 44, will be playing for the Gujarat Lions this season. Tambe was a revelation for Rajasthan Royals after he made his debut at the age of 41 for them.
IPL has brought a new lease of life for Tambe and he has grabbed his opportunities with both hands. Tambe’s case was extremely special because when he debuted for the Royals, he had not even played first class cricket.
However, the leg-spinner’s skiddy and accurate leg spinners have been mighty effective in making life difficult for the batters. Tambe has a brilliant flipper in his repertoire that bamboozles the opposition.
Tambe’s crafty leg spin has also helped him earn a hat-trick against KKR in 2014 and Gujarat Lions will be hoping for more of the same from him this season.
#3 Kevin Pietersen
Kevin Pietersen, who turns 36 in a couple of months, will be playing for Rising Pune Supergiants, the new franchise on the block. Pietersen could well be a little rusty initially as he doesn’t play much competitive cricket these days.
Pietersen has always been a treat to watch when in full flow and some of his enterprising knocks for RCB and Delhi Daredevils in the previous editions of IPL comes to mind instantly.
It will be interesting to see how MS Dhoni manages the maverick Pietersen in his side. The former England skipper was in stunning form in the RamSlam T20 competition in South Africa and if he could repeat some of that in this edition of the IPL, Pune will have no reason to complain.
#4 Mitchell Johnson
This recently retired Aussie speedster will look to prove a point here in this IPL. He is 34 years old and it will be interesting to see how his body holds up for these two months while playing this highly competitive tournament.
Kings XI Punjab would like him to be that mean old Johnson, running through the batting line-up of the opponents. Punjab will be playing their home games in Mohali and Nagpur this time and it will certainly be interesting to see what the pitch can offer to their pace spearhead, Johnson. Nevertheless, we are looking forward to seeing Johnson bowling full tilt again and some banter on top that should be fun!
#5 Brad Hogg
The Grand old man of IPL. Hogg is 45 years old and still continues to play cricket. More importantly, he still continues to enjoy his cricket. At 45, the kind of zeal this man has for the game is simply unbelievable. Hogg, a Knightriders’ member, would look to turn the tide for his side with his left arm Chinamen.
The Kolkata wicket aids wrist spinners and Hogg will be itching to have a go at the opposition. He showed good form in the last IPL and KKR would want Hogg to continue from where he left off last season. Let's see whether Hogg hogs the limelight in what might well be his last season in IPL.
Brand-new app in a brand-new avatar! Download CricRocket for fast cricket scores, rocket flicks, super notifications and much more! 🚀☄️
