When T20 cricket came about, many thought it was a format made for the young to shine and make it a format of their own.
However, as the years progressed, players with experience of playing the game for years began to prove otherwise. After all, experience is something that cannot be bought. Though age is just a number in cricket, it is never too late to look at some of the oldest players to take part in this year’s T20 World Cup.
Chris Gayle
At 42 years of age, the West Indies batter who gave T20 batting a different definition altogether is the oldest player in this year’s T20 World Cup.
Even at the age of 42, he has been able to carry on with his tremendous big-hitting abilities and his records and stats in T20 cricket undoubtedly make him one of the greats of the format.
Gayle has scored 1854 runs at a strike rate of 139.18 in 70 innings in T20 internationals (till this World Cup). The left-handed batter is the 2nd highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup’s history too with 933 runs.
For the current World champions, to turn things around in the World Cup after losing two games straight, his experience at the top order will be crucial.
Mohammad Hafeez
Making his T20 debut in 2006 for Pakistan, Mohammad Hafeez is the 2nd oldest player to represent his nation at the 2021 T20 World Cup at the age of 41. The veteran with his years of experience playing in the format is a vital cog in the wheel for the Pakistan batting lineup.
Batting in 103 innings in international T20s, the right-handed batter has scored 2429 runs at a strike rate of 120.97 so far.
Shoaib Malik
The 39-year-old Pakistan all-rounder features 3rd on the list of the oldest players in this year’s T20 World Cup. The canny all-rounder has been playing international cricket since 1999 and made his T20I debut in 2006.
In T20I cricket, Malik has scored 2335 runs batting in 106 innings at a strike rate of 124.20.
With the ball, the spinner has picked up 28 wickets in the 116 T20Is he played so far. His experience in the middle order is Pakistan’s go-to option in this edition of the T20 World Cup.
Dan Christian
The 38 years old Australian all-rounder Dan Christian may not have a prolific record in T20 internationals playing just 23 matches for the men in yellow, his experience playing T20 cricket all over the world is one to admire.
He has played 363 T20s in his career so far and has been successful playing for different sides in franchise cricket. If team Australia seeks the services of a skilled all-rounder who is handy with both the ball and bat, they have the luxury of Dan Christian.
Dwayne Bravo
38-year-old Dwayne Bravo is undoubtedly one of the most decorated T20 cricketers in the world in terms of T20 titles won across the globe.
Just like his success in franchise cricket, he has been equally effective when it comes to international T20 cricket playing for the West Indies.
Bravo has played 86 international T20s and has scored 1229 runs at a strike rate of 115.61 and has taken 76 wickets so far.
