The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction, set to happen in Abu Dhabi, is a battleground the place youth typically dictates the narrative. Groups sometimes eye recent, high-ceiling expertise to construct for the long run. Nonetheless, the official participant checklist reveals that have and home pedigree nonetheless maintain a strong attract. Standing out among the many lots of of younger weapons and established stars are a handful of veteran cricketers, all nearing or already crossing 37, who’re able to show that age is only a quantity.
These 5 gamers, a mix of home stalwarts and worldwide veterans, carry a wealth of match expertise, distinctive expertise, and the quiet starvation of cricketers in search of one final shot on the world’s best T20 league.
5 oldest gamers in IPL 2026 public sale
1. Jalaj Saxena (Age: 39)
At 39, Jalaj is the oldest participant to register for the IPL 2026 public sale, proving {that a} stellar home file can hold the dream alive. Saxena, an off-spinning all-rounder, is an undisputed titan of Indian first-class cricket. He’s famously the primary Indian cricketer to realize the monumental Ranji Trophy double of 6,000 runs and 400 wickets. His current consistency within the shorter codecs, together with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, makes him a extremely reliable utility participant.
Regardless of having restricted IPL appearances for franchises like Punjab Kings, his low base value (₹40 lakh) and his twin risk as a dependable off-spinner and a strong middle-order batsman make him a wonderful, cost-effective backup possibility for any crew trying to strengthen its Indian core.
2. Karn Sharma (Age: 38)
Karn has been a quiet fixed within the IPL panorama for over a decade. The leg-spinner from Uttar Pradesh has represented among the most profitable franchises and carries a distinguished popularity as a “trophy winner,” having been a part of a number of IPL-winning squads. With 83 wickets in 90 IPL matches, his power lies in his skill to take care of a good economic system and choose up wickets within the essential center overs. He’s a wily operator, capable of outfox batsmen with refined variations in tempo and flight.
After being launched by Mumbai Indians, Karn enters the public sale with a base value of ₹30 lakh. His huge expertise throughout totally different crew environments and stress conditions makes him a really perfect, low-cost possibility for groups in want of an skilled Indian spinner who can ship dependable performances when known as upon.
3. Umesh Yadav (Age: 38)
A seasoned Indian worldwide quick bowler, Umesh has been a fixture within the IPL since 2009. Identified for his sheer tempo and skill to swing the brand new ball, Umesh is among the league’s most skilled tempo exponents. With 144 wickets from 148 IPL matches, his profession has seen him ship match-winning spells for groups like Delhi and Kolkata. Whereas his type has seen minor fluctuations, his functionality to supply explosive tempo and early breakthroughs stays plain.
Umesh has opted for a excessive base value ( ₹1.5 crore), reflecting his confidence in his enduring tempo. Groups on the lookout for a senior Indian quick bowler to steer the assault within the Powerplay overs—a task he excels at—will doubtless spark a bidding conflict for the veteran.
Additionally READ: Sanjay Bangar picks IPL 2026 public sale’s largest “steal deal”
4. Richard Gleeson (Age: 38)
England’s Gleeson embodies the spirit of perseverance, having made his worldwide debut on the late age of 34. The suitable-arm fast-medium bowler is widely known for his skill to hit exhausting lengths and ship essential cutters. Gleeson has a popularity for performing in international franchise leagues, and his temporary however impactful IPL stints with Chennai Tremendous Kings and Mumbai Indians have proven he can ship underneath stress. His spotlight reel consists of dismissing high Indian batsmen in his early worldwide outings.
Listed at a base value of ₹75 lakh, Gleeson is a lovely possibility for franchises in search of an skilled abroad pacer, notably those that desire a bowler able to hitting the deck exhausting and providing refined variations within the center and loss of life overs.
5. Dwaine Pretorius (Age: 37)
South African all-rounder Pretorius is a confirmed asset in T20 cricket, bringing a uncommon mixture of lower-order hitting energy and wonderful change-of-pace bowling, particularly on the loss of life. Having been a key participant for Chennai Tremendous Kings, Pretorius has expertise thriving within the demanding, high-stakes environment of the IPL. His bowling, centered on intelligent off-cutters and seam variations, makes him a troublesome proposition for even the most effective finishers.
With a base value of ₹1 crore, Pretorius is a scorching commodity for his all-round expertise. He fills a particular area of interest as a international loss of life bowler and power-hitter, a task that a number of groups might be desperately making an attempt to safe to steadiness their XI.
Additionally READ: 5 franchises that may goal Jonny Bairstow within the IPL 2026 Public sale
