The Indian Premier League has always been a perfect blend of youth and experience. As the tournament enters its 18th season in 2025, several veteran cricketers continue to defy age and showcase their exceptional skills on the field. These seasoned players bring invaluable experience, composure under pressure, meticulous planning and mentorship for younger players like no other. 

So, let’s take a closer look at the seven oldest players who are still making their mark in IPL 2025 and playing at par with the youngsters and giving them a run for their money.

7. David Warner

David Warner’s explosive batting at the top of the order has made him one of the most successful overseas players in IPL history. The Australian opener continues to represent Delhi Capitals in 2025, bringing his wealth of experience and aggressive batting approach to the franchise.

Warner’s leadership credentials were firmly established when he captained Sunrisers Hyderabad to an IPL title. His understanding of the game and ability to adapt to different conditions have been key factors in his longevity in the tournament.

Despite entering the twilight of his career, Warner’s hunger for runs remains undiminished. His decision to enter the draft for The Hundred competition in England alongside his IPL commitments in 2025 demonstrates his continued passion for cricket and desire to compete at the highest level across different T20 leagues.

Interested in the history of cricket venues? Check out our article on the world’s oldest cricket stadiums and see which ones have stood the test of time.

6. Karn Sharma

Karn Sharma’s IPL journey is quite remarkable, having won IPL titles with three different franchises – Sunrisers Hyderabad (2016), Mumbai Indians (2017), and Chennai Super Kings (2018). Now back with Mumbai Indians for the 2025 season, the leg-spinner continues to be a valuable asset in T20 cricket.

With 76 wickets in 84 matches at an economy rate of 8.14, Sharma has proven his worth as a wicket-taking option in the middle overs. What makes his story particularly inspiring is his ability to reinvent himself and remain relevant in a competitive environment where younger spinners are constantly emerging.

Sharma’s greatest strength lies in his ability to bowl tight lines under pressure, a skill that has earned him the trust of various captains throughout his IPL career.

5. Moeen Ali

Moeen Ali joined Kolkata Knight Riders for a modest INR 2 crore in 2024 and has proven to be an astute acquisition. The English all-rounder brings balance to the team with his off-spin bowling and aggressive middle-order batting capabilities.

Despite joining the IPL relatively late in his career, Ali has established himself as a reliable performer over eight seasons. His ability to accelerate against spin bowling makes him particularly valuable in Indian conditions, while his bowling provides captains with a dependable option during middle overs.

In the 2025 season, Ali has already made significant contributions, including a match-winning spell of 2 wickets for 23 runs against Rajasthan Royals.

4. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, affectionately known as the “Hitman,” continues to lead Mumbai Indians with distinction in IPL 2025. With five IPL titles under his captaincy, Sharma’s leadership credentials are unquestionable, and his batting prowess remains formidable despite being in his late thirties.

Having accumulated 6,628 runs in 257 IPL matches, including two centuries and 43 half-centuries, Sharma holds the unique distinction of being the only player to have scored a century and claimed a hat-trick in IPL history.

His return to form in 2025 was marked by an unbeaten 76-run innings against CSK, proving that he still has what it takes to perform at the highest level.

Want to know which young player started their international career the earliest? Take a look at our article on the youngest ever to play international cricket and learn more.

3. Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin returned to his original IPL home, Chennai Super Kings, for the 2025 season after announcing his retirement from international cricket. The crafty off-spinner has accumulated 180 wickets in 212 IPL matches.

Ashwin is known for his analytical approach and continuous evolution as a bowler. His carrom ball, arm ball, and newly introduced leg-spin variations make him a strategic asset.

His ability to provide useful runs down the order and adapt to match conditions showcases his all-round cricketing intellect.

2. Faf du Plessis

The South African veteran has been a consistent performer in the IPL for over a decade. After leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru, du Plessis moved to Delhi Capitals in 2025, taking on the role of vice-captain.

His career-best IPL season came in 2023 with 730 runs. Even at 40, his fielding remains sharp, and his steady presence in the top order anchors the DC batting line-up.

A classic batter with an aggressive streak, his longevity in T20s is fueled by discipline and top-tier fitness.

1. MS Dhoni

At 43, MS Dhoni remains the oldest active player in the IPL and the enduring spirit of CSK. He resumed captaincy in 2025 after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury, bringing his signature calm leadership back to the field.

Renowned for his sharp glovework and finishing abilities, Dhoni maintains peak fitness with 6–8 months of training each year. His match sense, iconic helicopter shot, and leadership continue to inspire teammates and fans alike.

“Captain Cool” is not just playing the game—he’s defining how legends retire on their own terms.

Curious about the veterans in the RCB camp? Check out our detailed breakdown of the 3 Oldest Players in the RCB Squad and see how experience adds value to the Royal Challengers Bangalore lineup.

Conclusion

Sports has always played a big part in bringing people together and cricket is no different. As the IPL continues to evolve with fresh talent and dynamic young stars, the seasoned players continue to remind us that cricket is as much about experience, resilience, and strategy as it is about speed and flair.

These seven veterans prove that with the right fitness regimen, tactical awareness, and passion for the game, age is indeed just a number in modern cricket. Their continued presence enriches the IPL, providing fans with glimpses of classic skill while mentoring the next generation of cricket stars.