Have you ever thought about what is the age criteria in IPL or at what age a player can play in the tournament? So there is no maximum or minimum age limit in IPL but the U-19 and U-16 players have played at least one first-class match to be eligible for the league. Many players retired from the IPL after they passed the age of 40. However, there are few players who made their appearances after the age of 40. Talking about the players, our beloved MS Dhoni is the oldest player who played most matches and made most appearances after turning 40.
Below, in this article we will talk about the top oldest players in IPL who have the most appearances after turning 40. Kindly read the entire article, so that neither information can be left.
Top 10 Oldest IPL Players: Most Matches Played
| Player | Age (While Playing 40+) | Total IPL Matches Played* | Teams Represented |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 42+ years (as of IPL 2025) | 278 | Chennai Super Kings |
| Faf du Plessis | 40 years (IPL 2025) | 154 | Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Chris Gayle | 42 years (last IPL in 2021) | 142 | KKR, RCB, Punjab Kings |
| Imran Tahir | 42 years (last IPL in 2021) | 59 | Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, RPS |
| Pravin Tambe | 44 years (last IPL in 2016) | 33 | Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Lions |
1. MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni is the oldest player who made most appearances in the history of IPL. At the age of 26, MS made his debut in IPL with Chennai Super Kings and as of now, he has played a total of 278 matches so far. Right now, MS Dhoni is 44 years old which makes him one of the oldest players in the history of IPL.
2. Faf du Plessis
South African player Faf du Plessis is the first international player who owns the title of most appearances in IPL after turning 40. He made his debut in 2012 with CSK and as of now, he has played a total of 154 matches.
3. Chris Gayle
Former West Indies player Chris Gayle is an outstanding player who scored the fastest century in the history of IPL. However, he is not officially retired from the tournament but he played his last season in 2021. He mentioned that he did not get the entitled respect from the Punjab Kings team due to which he never appeared in the further seasons.
4. Imran Tahir
South African cricketer Imran Tahir is the winner of purple cap in 2019 IPL season. At the age of 35, Imran Tahir made his debut with Delhi Capitals and as of now he has played a total of 59 matches in which he took a total of 82 wickets.
5. Pravin Tambe
Pravin Tambe is the first player in the history of IPL who made his debut at the age of 41. Rajasthan Royals saw his talent and decided to pick him. As of now, he has played a total of 33 IPL matches in which he took a total of 28 wickets.
Above we have mentioned the oldest players who made most appearances in the history of IPL. Kindly saw the table and found all the details of the best oldest players in IPL.
FAQS
MS Dhoni made the most appearances in the history of IPL.
Pravin Tambe is the player who made history’s late debut at the age of 41.
Faf du Plessis is the international player who appeared in the most IPL matches.
