IPL 2025: Can MS Dhoni Become The Oldest Player To Play IPL?

"I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I'm able to play.”

You know who said it, don’t you? At the age of 43, MS Dhoni isn’t finished, at least not yet. He’s eyeing that record of becoming the oldest player to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which isn’t too far off from him. 

As it stands, however, who is the oldest player to play in the IPL?

Oldest Players To Play In Indian Premier League

Brad Hogg - 45 years, 92 days

Currently, the left-arm wrist spinner is the oldest player to play in the IPL. The Australian spinner Brad Hogg, representing Kolkata Knight Riders, played his last clash against Gujarat Lions in 2016, finishing with figures of 1/16. 

Hogg started his IPL career with Rajasthan Royals in 2012 before returning to represent KKR in the 2015 season. When he played his last IPL game, the left arm wrist spinner was 45 years and 92 days old, back in IPL 2016. 

Pravin Tambe - 44 years, 219 days

Pravin Tambe famously made his IPL debut at the age of 41, making history as the oldest player to do so. The leg spinner made his debut for RR in 2013, and in the next year, he took a hat-trick, showing his worth in the league.

Over the next four seasons, the leg spinner played for two teams—RR and GL—picking up 28 wickets, averaging 30.46, and best figures of 4/20. Tambe last played for the Lions in 2016, when he was 44 years and 219 days. 

MS Dhoni - 43 years, 264 days

Right now, MS Dhoni is 43 years and 264 days. 

He’s the third-oldest player to have played in the cash-rich league. Dhoni is one of the most decorated captains in IPL history, with five IPL titles as a captain, a feat that he shares with MI’s former skipper Rohit Sharma. 

But even at 43, Dhoni’s engines seem to be warmed up well, with 161 runs, striking at 220.54, smashing 13 sixes and 14 fours. 

Muttiah Muralitharan - 42 years, 35 days

When Sri Lankan legend Muralitharan played his last IPL clash, he was 42 years and 35 days old. The off-spinner played seven IPL seasons, first beginning his journey with CSK before moving to Kochi Tuskers Kerala, where he only played one season (2011). 

Muralitharan ended his career with RCB in 2014, at 42 years and 35 days old, after winning a title in 2010 with CSK. 

Imran Tahir - 42 years, 29 days

Don’t be surprised to see another CSK star here. Imran Tahir, yet another late bloomer, played at the IPL level until he was 42 years and 29 days old. Incidentally, his last IPL match was against RCB in 2021, ending a glorious career in which he helped CSK win multiple titles.

Tahir finished his career with 82 IPL wickets, averaging 20.77 at an economy rate of 7.76.