5 oldest players in IPL 2018

While T20 cricket is considered a game for younger cricketers, we can't rule out the significance of experienced campaigners in the game's shortest format. IPL has witnessed several cricket stars in their late 30s exhibit their fullest potential in the T20 circuit.

From the legendary Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis to the unknown Pravin Tambe, cricketers post-35 have shown their prime T20 form.

Let's check out at how the Old War-Horses have fared so far in IPL 2018.

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#5 Yuvraj Singh - 36 years

Yuvraj has failed to cross 20 runs in an innings in IPL 2018

The man who lit up Indian T20 cricket with his swashbuckling 6 sixes in an over against Stuart Broad in ICC World T20 2007, has been struggling to find his timing and touch in IPL 2018. Having returned to his home franchise Kings XI Punjab, the proven match-winner of the past has failed to impress cricket fans.

With just 64 runs in 7 matches at a disappointing average of 12.80 and a strike rate of 91.42, it is doubtful if he would feature again in playing XI of KXIP.

Yuvraj has managed to hit only 2 sixes in the 7 matches he played so far, his fielding and fitness have added to his woes, forcing captain Ravichandran Ashwin to replace him with Manoj Tiwary.

Regardless of his current form, Yuvraj will always be remembered as one of the all-time greats of Indian cricket.

#4 Mitchell Johnson - 36 years

Mitchell Johnson - Leaking runs as quick as his pace

The hero for Australia in their 5-0 whitewash of England in Ashes 2013-2014, has been a shadow of his past in IPL 2018. Johnson has been consistently clicking 145 km/h this year, but his line and length haven't suited the Indian conditions.

Johnson was expected to be the spearhead of the KKR bowling lineup in the absence of Mitchell Starc, but he has managed to pick up just 2 wickets in 6 matches, at an awful economy of 10.28, forcing KKR to replace him with Tom Curran of England.

In his current stint in KKR, he has been mentoring the Indian U19 quicks Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi. With pace and fitness on his side, Johnson can still make a turnaround and can make batsmen dance to his tunes.

#3 Harbhajan Singh - 37 years

Harbhajan Singh - as economical as ever

Snatched by Chennai Super Kings for Rs. 2 Crores, Harbhajan is turning out to be one of the smartest picks of IPL auctions 2018. He still holds the record for most dot balls bowled ever in IPL.

Though his wicket tally in IPL 2018 is only 7 wickets in 9 innings, he has been MS Dhoni's go-to man during the powerplay overs. With an economy of just over 7 runs per over, Harbhajan has shown stiff resistance to the opponents' run-flow against CSK.

A pinch-hitter in his spell for Mumbai Indians, we are yet to witness the six-hitting abilities of this seasoned campaigner, for CSK. Nevertheless, 'Bhajji' has justified his place in the star-studded lineup of CSK and has rightly filled the void left by Ravichandran Ashwin in the team.

#2 Chris Gayle - 38 Years

Gayle has been at his monstrous best in IPL 2018

The Universe Boss has already lit up IPL 2018 with a century and towering 26 sixes. RCB left many people wondering when he was not retained by them during 2018 IPL auctions.

Having picked up by Kings XI Punjab for the base price of Rs. 2 Crores, the big Jamaican has been an unstoppable force, along with ex-RCBian KL Rahul. The duo has turned out to be the best opening combination across teams, so far in 2018.

In IPL 2018, the West Indian southpaw has smashed 332 runs from just 8 matches, with an astonishing average of 55.33 and strike rate of 147.55. With playoffs nearing, KXIP's captain Ravichandran Ashwin will be relying on the 38-year-old to drive KXIP to their first ever IPL title.

#1 Imran Tahir - 39 Years

Imran Tahir still struggling to cement his place in CSK XI

At 39 years, Imran Tahir of Chennai Super Kings is the oldest player featuring in IPL 2018. He was the 5th leading wicket-taker in IPL 2017 for Rising Pune Supergiants with 18 wickets from 12 games.

The South African, known for his wily googlies and wild celebrations, hasn't been at his best in IPL 2018. With just 6 wickets to his name from 6 matches, at an economy of 9.09, Tahir hasn't been able to cement a place for him in CSK.

With CSK's average bowling performance and the impact of leg-spinners in this year's IPL, MS Dhoni will be hoping that the 39-year-old South African can get rid of his lean patch and turn the tide for CSK in their quest for the coveted 3rd IPL title.