Top 6 Oldest Captains in IPL History Who Proved Age is Just a Number: MS Dhoni to Faf du Plessis

Top 6 Oldest Captains in IPL : The Indian Premier League (IPL) is often celebrated for its high-energy performances, rising young talent, and electrifying cricketing moments. But it has also been a stage where veteran legends have showcased their class, leadership, and unmatched cricketing intelligence—despite the number on their birth certificate.

From the ever-iconic MS Dhoni to the resilient Faf du Plessis, here’s a look at the oldest captains in IPL history, proving that experience often trumps youth when it comes to leading a team under pressure.

Top 6 Oldest Captains in IPL History: From MS Dhoni to Faf du Plessis

1. MS Dhoni – 41 Years, 325 Days

Match: CSK vs GT, May 28, 2023
Chennai Super Kings’ heartbeat and India’s most successful IPL captain, MS Dhoni, led CSK in the IPL 2023 final at almost 42 years of age. While the final didn’t bring big runs for Dhoni (dismissed for a golden duck), it ended with CSK lifting their fifth IPL trophy, underlining Dhoni’s tactical genius and leadership longevity. He broke Shane Warne’s long-standing record to become the oldest captain in IPL history.

Image

2. Shane Warne – 41 Years, 249 Days

Match: RR vs MI, May 20, 2011
The legendary Australian spinner and inaugural IPL-winning captain, Shane Warne, captained Rajasthan Royals for the final time in 2011. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2007, Warne’s wizardry continued to impact the IPL until he was nearly 42, laying the foundation of the Royals’ fearless cricketing style.

Image

3. Adam Gilchrist – 41 Years, 185 Days

Match: KXIP vs MI, May 18, 2013
The explosive Australian wicketkeeper-batter brought flair and leadership to Kings XI Punjab. Gilchrist’s final IPL match as captain came just before his 42nd birthday, where he even bowled an over and took a wicket—a rare sight indeed.

Image

4. Rahul Dravid – 40 Years, 133 Days

Match: RR vs MI, May 24, 2013
Known for his calm demeanor and classical approach, Rahul Dravid led Rajasthan Royals with grace and intelligence. In a league known for power-hitters, Dravid brought stability and poise, even mentoring the young guns during his stint.

Image

5. Sourav Ganguly – 39 Years, 316 Days

Match: PWI vs KKR, May 19, 2012
The Prince of Kolkata and one of India’s greatest captains, Sourav Ganguly led Pune Warriors India at nearly 40. While the team didn’t find great success, Ganguly’s leadership presence and cricketing acumen continued to inspire.

Image

6. Faf du Plessis – 39 Years, 314 Days

Match: RCB vs RR, May 22, 2024
Still incredibly fit and agile, Faf du Plessis captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2024 season just shy of his 40th birthday. His consistency with the bat and calm approach to leadership kept RCB in contention, even as younger players looked up to him as a mentor.

Image

Oldest Captains in IPL History

RankPlayerAgeTeamMatch Date
1MS Dhoni41 years 325 daysCSK vs GT28 May 2023
2Shane Warne41 years 249 daysRR vs MI20 May 2011
3Adam Gilchrist41 years 185 daysKXIP vs MI18 May 2013
4Rahul Dravid40 years 133 daysRR vs MI24 May 2013
5Sourav Ganguly39 years 316 daysPWI vs KKR19 May 2012
6Faf du Plessis39 years 314 daysRCB vs RR22 May 2024

Whether it’s Dhoni’s unmatched calm, Warne’s tactical magic, or Faf’s modern fitness-driven longevity, these veterans have shown that age is merely a number when talent, fitness, and leadership align. As the IPL continues to evolve, fans can only hope to witness more such incredible stories of experience outshining youth.

Read more: Piyush Goyal Calls Out Shark Tank India: Minister Urges Aman Gupta to Shift Focus

FAQs

Who is the oldest captain in IPL history?

MS Dhoni is the oldest IPL captain, leading CSK at 41 years and 325 days in 2023.

Who held the record before MS Dhoni?

Shane Warne was the previous oldest IPL captain at 41 years and 249 days.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

More like this

LATEST NEWS

8 Best Characters for Genshin Impact Imaginarium Theater: April 2025 Meta Guide

As Genshin Impact version 5.5 continues to evolve the gameplay experience, the April 2025 season of Imaginarium Theater presents travelers with fresh strategic challenges...

Phantom Fist Kanabo in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Complete Guide to This Legendary Weapon

In the sprawling world of Assassin's Creed Shadows, legendary weapons serve as both coveted trophies and game-changing tools that can dramatically alter your combat...

Blood Rain Bow in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Complete Guide to Unlocking This Legendary Weapon

As players venture through the breathtaking landscapes of feudal Japan in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the pursuit of legendary weapons becomes a compelling side journey...

Apple May Expand iPhone Production in Brazil: All We Know

Following sharp declines in Apple’s stock triggered by escalating US-China trade tensions, a report from Brazilian outlet Exame suggests Apple is considering shifting more...

Featured