IPL 2019: 4 CSK players who defied age this season

IPL 2019 was arguably one of the most enthralling, entertaining and intense of all the seasons since the inception of the tournament in the year 2008. Swashbuckling batting, shrewd bowling, super-human fielding efforts, nail-biting finishes and electrifying Super Overs combined with comprehensive media coverage turned this year's IPL into a blockbuster hit.

The players gave it absolutely everything on the field for their respective franchises. Early morning flights, parties that ran till late in the night and sponsor commitments made it really hectic as well.

A tournament as intense as this demands tremendous fitness from players. The support staff also have to be on their toes taking care of each player throughout the tournament.

This year Chennai Super Kings, one of the most successful franchises in the league's history, played with a squad having a majority of players above 30 years of age. Let us have a look at four such players from CSK who defied age and kept themselves fit the whole tournament, even giving a few match-winning performances:

#1 MS Dhoni - 37 years

First in the list is the epitome of calmness - master finisher MS Dhoni. The 37-year-old Dhoni is still very agile and tries to snatch singles, convert ones into twos and fly those helicopters in style.

Batting mostly at the crucial No. 4 position that suits his take-it-till-the-end batting style, Dhoni Scored 416 runs in 15 matches at a reasonably good strike rate of 134.62 which included three half-centuries as well. To add to this, he also effected a few razor-sharp stumpings which left his fans and teammates in awe.

MS Dhoni was brilliant in IPL 2019 with his batting, keeping and leadership

Dhoni seems to be ageing like fine wine. Although he did have a few niggles during the tournament that made him sit out for a couple of matches, the commander-in-chief of the 'whistle-podu army' was strong for a majority of the season and guided his team to the final with his batting and leadership.

#2 Imran Tahir - 40 years

Next in the list is the South African front-line spinner, the 40-year-old Imran Tahir who plays with the intensity of a 20-year-old youngster. His youthful exuberance can be seen in every delivery that he bowls and in those celebratory sprints that he makes on picking up a wicket.

The lean but fit Tahir is as intimidating as a tall fast bowler and can send chills down the spine of any batsman.

Imran Tahir was the key bowler for CSK in IPL 2019

CSK's key weapon of destruction this season and the Purple Cap winner, Tahir picked up 26 wickets in 17 matches at a mind-blowing economy rate of 6.62 runs an over. His ability to turn the ball at pace makes it difficult for the batsmen to attack him.

Tahir would be hoping to remain fit and continue his merry run in the upcoming ICC World Cup as well.

#3 Harbhajan Singh - 38 years

an Tahir's partner in destruction and an important part in MS Dhoni's spin web - Harbhajan Singh - was in top form this season. The 'Turbanator' of India is almost 39 years old but still plays with the same intensity and energy.

He knocked off the top order of almost all the teams with his astute bowling which was characterized by tight lines, variations in pace and length and perfectly bowled 'doosras'.

Harbhajan Singh picked up crucial wickets at key intervals for CSK in IPL 2019

He picked up 16 wickets in 11 matches at an astounding economy rate of just over 7. The fact that the above numbers were achieved with him bowling half of his quota of 4 overs during the powerplay on many occasions makes it an even more remarkable feat.

Harbhajan may have become less agile with age but still gives his 100% and works very hard on his fitness.

#4 Shane Watson - 37 years

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson opened the innings for CSK the entire season. Keeping in mind the limitations that come with age, Watson has smartly switched from being an all-rounder to a pure opening batsman who has the ability to meticulously build his innings piece by piece.

Shane Watson played a few fabulous knocks this IPL season

Although Watson was not at his supreme best, there were a few instances wherein he weaved magic on the field with his awe-inspiring batting. He is almost 38 years old now but the big man can still hit those big sixes with amazing consistency, and run hard as well.

In the 17 matches that he played this season, Watson scored 394 runs with three amazing half-centuries.

It would be interesting to see if Watson plays the next season as he retired from the Big Bash league this summer.